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Saturday, March 25, 2006
FRONT PAGE - FIRST CAPITOL NEWS 3/25/06
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Sergeant Ed Copeland Files For County Sheriff
Sergeant Ed Copeland
Files For County Sheriff
Sergeant Ed Copeland, a twenty-five year veteran of the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department, has filed as a Democratic candidate to run for Sheriff. According to the candidate, his decision to run was based on encouragement from his family as well as those he considers his extended family of fellow members of the Sheriff’s Department.
“As an experienced law enforcement officer and long time member of the Sheriff’s Department, I have a realistic vision of what it takes to achieve the goals I’ve set for the Department and what it takes to make our community a safer place to live and raise a family,” said Copeland in his filing statement. Among those goals outlined by the candidate are increasing the visibility of the Sheriff’s Department by stepping up neighborhood patrols, increasing interaction between deputies and members of the community, assigning an investigator to “Cold Case” investigations, increasing the number of investigators assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division, a total commitment to the Highway Drug Interdiction Team and creating a state-of-the art website for the Department.
Ed is currently serving the community as a Detective Sergeant in the Department’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations. He was promoted to this position after three years as a Special Federal Officer in the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force for the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) office in St. Louis. He is also an Investigator for the St. Louis Major Case Squad, a position he has held since 1994. Copeland’s extensive training and experience have not gone unnoticed and he has received many accolades for outstanding service. Ed is married to Patty Copeland and the couple have two grown daughters, one grown son and two grandchildren. The Copelands live in Weldon Spring.
Ed believes his leadership skills will bring the department and the community closer together. “As a group of dedicated law enforcement professionals, every member of the Department needs to be working together toward building a Sheriff’s Department second to none. The people of St. Charles County deserve nothing less. When the Sheriff provides positive leadership, based on fairness and integrity, it is reflected in the work of all employees,” explained Copeland.
Copeland added that, “The conduct of my campaign will be reflective of the leadership and professionalism that I have demonstrated in my 25 years of serving the citizens of this community. I will continue to maintain these values throughout the campaign, as well as during my administration as Sheriff of St. Charles County.”
Files For County Sheriff
Sergeant Ed Copeland, a twenty-five year veteran of the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department, has filed as a Democratic candidate to run for Sheriff. According to the candidate, his decision to run was based on encouragement from his family as well as those he considers his extended family of fellow members of the Sheriff’s Department.
“As an experienced law enforcement officer and long time member of the Sheriff’s Department, I have a realistic vision of what it takes to achieve the goals I’ve set for the Department and what it takes to make our community a safer place to live and raise a family,” said Copeland in his filing statement. Among those goals outlined by the candidate are increasing the visibility of the Sheriff’s Department by stepping up neighborhood patrols, increasing interaction between deputies and members of the community, assigning an investigator to “Cold Case” investigations, increasing the number of investigators assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division, a total commitment to the Highway Drug Interdiction Team and creating a state-of-the art website for the Department.
Ed is currently serving the community as a Detective Sergeant in the Department’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations. He was promoted to this position after three years as a Special Federal Officer in the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force for the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) office in St. Louis. He is also an Investigator for the St. Louis Major Case Squad, a position he has held since 1994. Copeland’s extensive training and experience have not gone unnoticed and he has received many accolades for outstanding service. Ed is married to Patty Copeland and the couple have two grown daughters, one grown son and two grandchildren. The Copelands live in Weldon Spring.
Ed believes his leadership skills will bring the department and the community closer together. “As a group of dedicated law enforcement professionals, every member of the Department needs to be working together toward building a Sheriff’s Department second to none. The people of St. Charles County deserve nothing less. When the Sheriff provides positive leadership, based on fairness and integrity, it is reflected in the work of all employees,” explained Copeland.
Copeland added that, “The conduct of my campaign will be reflective of the leadership and professionalism that I have demonstrated in my 25 years of serving the citizens of this community. I will continue to maintain these values throughout the campaign, as well as during my administration as Sheriff of St. Charles County.”
Councilmen Kneemiller, Weller, Muench, Reese and Hoepfner Put City at Risk for $3 million
Councilmen Kneemiller, Weller, Muench, Reese and Hoepfner Put City at Risk for $3 million
By Tony Brockmeyer
The First Capitol News has learned that at a closed meeting of the St. Charles City Council several members of the City Council, against the advise of City attorney Mike Valenti, voted not to appeal a decision of Circuit Judge Ted House that ordered the City Council and the Mayor to allow MJ Developers to hook up to the City sewer and water system.
According to our sources and from statements made on the City Council floor by Councilman Mark Brown at the Council meeting on Tuesday, Valenti had advised the Council in closed session he believed the decision by the Judge was in error and should be appealed. Valenti told the Council members the City was at risk for $3 million dollars in possible damages if they did not appeal.
According to Brown, Councilman Bob Kneemiller told the Council members that Sellenschuetter deserved the $3 million and Kneemiller along with Bob Hoefpner, Larry Muench, Mike Weller, and Jerry Reese voted not to appeal the Judge’s decision going against the advise of City Attorney Mike Valenti.
By Tony Brockmeyer
The First Capitol News has learned that at a closed meeting of the St. Charles City Council several members of the City Council, against the advise of City attorney Mike Valenti, voted not to appeal a decision of Circuit Judge Ted House that ordered the City Council and the Mayor to allow MJ Developers to hook up to the City sewer and water system.
According to our sources and from statements made on the City Council floor by Councilman Mark Brown at the Council meeting on Tuesday, Valenti had advised the Council in closed session he believed the decision by the Judge was in error and should be appealed. Valenti told the Council members the City was at risk for $3 million dollars in possible damages if they did not appeal.
According to Brown, Councilman Bob Kneemiller told the Council members that Sellenschuetter deserved the $3 million and Kneemiller along with Bob Hoefpner, Larry Muench, Mike Weller, and Jerry Reese voted not to appeal the Judge’s decision going against the advise of City Attorney Mike Valenti.
RAMBLING With the Editor - Tony Brockmeyer
VOTE NO ON
DOTTIE’S RECALL
On Tuesday, April 4th the voters of Ward Seven will be asked to vote on the recall of Dottie Greer. Dottie has done nothing to deserve a recall. According to our Chief of Police the recall petition drive was replete with criminal violations and forgeries. The matter is now in the hands of the St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney for criminal prosecution. This is nothing but an attempt by our Mayor, developers and people who have been on the public dole for years to gain control of the $100 million budget of the City. When the voters of the seventh ward enter the polling booths on April 4th they should vote NO on the recall of Dottie Greer.
Grocery Coming To
Mark Twain Mall
It appears that Aldi Supermarkets will be coming to Mark Twain Mall in the near future. Weekends Only Furniture is closing and some of the space will be taken over by Aldi’s. While we are talking about Mark Twain Mall the latest rumor on the street is that Bass Pro may be moving their super store to St. Clair Square in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Right now it is just a rumor and we are trying to track it down.
CONDEMNATION COMING TO BOONES LICK & FIFTH?
We have been told that local developer Mike Sellenschuetter wants to develop the corner of Boones Lick and Fifth Street where Mary Rents and McDonald’s are located. We understand he wants the City to condemn the other side of Fifth Street and move McDonald's and Mary Rents to that location even though the businesses currently located there are thriving. The proposal is coming forth from Mike Sellenschuetter the developer who is not involved in lawsuits against the City and whose attorney wants a judge to jail Council members. More to come on this later.
WE OCCASIONALLY TAKE TIME OFF
Occasionally we need to take time off. This is a stressful and demanding job but even so, it is something we enjoy. We have many tips we need to follow up on and investigate and occasionally we like to relax and travel. Each time we take a week off we receive calls and e-mails from readers telling us how much they enjoy the First Capitol News and how much they miss it when we don’t print. But, not to worry. You can always keep abreast of daily news of St. Charles by going to firstcapitolnews-today.blogspot.com We will continue to update that web log even when we take a break. Our weekly edition can also be found on our web log at firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com.
DOTTIE’S RECALL
On Tuesday, April 4th the voters of Ward Seven will be asked to vote on the recall of Dottie Greer. Dottie has done nothing to deserve a recall. According to our Chief of Police the recall petition drive was replete with criminal violations and forgeries. The matter is now in the hands of the St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney for criminal prosecution. This is nothing but an attempt by our Mayor, developers and people who have been on the public dole for years to gain control of the $100 million budget of the City. When the voters of the seventh ward enter the polling booths on April 4th they should vote NO on the recall of Dottie Greer.
Grocery Coming To
Mark Twain Mall
It appears that Aldi Supermarkets will be coming to Mark Twain Mall in the near future. Weekends Only Furniture is closing and some of the space will be taken over by Aldi’s. While we are talking about Mark Twain Mall the latest rumor on the street is that Bass Pro may be moving their super store to St. Clair Square in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Right now it is just a rumor and we are trying to track it down.
CONDEMNATION COMING TO BOONES LICK & FIFTH?
We have been told that local developer Mike Sellenschuetter wants to develop the corner of Boones Lick and Fifth Street where Mary Rents and McDonald’s are located. We understand he wants the City to condemn the other side of Fifth Street and move McDonald's and Mary Rents to that location even though the businesses currently located there are thriving. The proposal is coming forth from Mike Sellenschuetter the developer who is not involved in lawsuits against the City and whose attorney wants a judge to jail Council members. More to come on this later.
WE OCCASIONALLY TAKE TIME OFF
Occasionally we need to take time off. This is a stressful and demanding job but even so, it is something we enjoy. We have many tips we need to follow up on and investigate and occasionally we like to relax and travel. Each time we take a week off we receive calls and e-mails from readers telling us how much they enjoy the First Capitol News and how much they miss it when we don’t print. But, not to worry. You can always keep abreast of daily news of St. Charles by going to firstcapitolnews-today.blogspot.com We will continue to update that web log even when we take a break. Our weekly edition can also be found on our web log at firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com.
The People Speak - Letters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor:
Support Propositions A and B on April 4
If you are wondering why Propositions A and B are necessary, it is because the funds to continue to operate the City of St. Charles School District schools are falling short. Why are they falling short? (1) The District is one of 58 of 524 school districts classified by the State as a Hold Harmless District (HHD) meaning that for the last 13 years (since 1993) the District has been frozen for State funding under the Foundation Formula at $1,287.85 per student. (The cost to educate a student in the District is $7,811.99.) With a declining student population, the District looses State Foundation Formula funding in this amount for each lost student, which further complicates the funding issue. If the City of St. Charles School District received the same amount per student under the Foundation Formula for example as the Fort Zumwalt District at $1,746.57, another $2,700,000 would be received from the State. There are Districts in the St. Louis side of the river that receive as much as $6,158.64 per student under the Foundation Formula. I do not think this is fair but that is the way it is, and it forces our local tax payers to pay more than some other communities. (2) While the debt tax levy for building improvement was increased a couple years ago, the operating tax levy has not been increased for several years. In fact, due to property reassessment and as required by law, the District has rolled back the operating tax levy. Instead of increasing the operating tax levy over the past several years, the District has repeatedly trimmed its budget and two years ago eliminated 65 teaching positions. 57.6% of the District’s operating funds come from the local tax payers making the District highly dependent on the local operating tax levy. 75.6% of the District’s expenditures is for salaries and benefits leaving 24.4% for operation and maintenance of facilities and programs. To further reduce spending means cutting teaching positions, which also means closing a couple elementary schools. (3) Essentially each year, the District is hit with unfunded mandates from the State and the Federal governments, which erodes the local operating tax levy. For example, the State At Risk Program is funded at 86% versus the required 100%, the State Gifted Program is funded at 63% versus the required 75%, State Transportation is funded at 56% versus the required 75%, and the State Map Testing is funded at $1.80 per student but the cost is $8.00. The Federal Special Education Program was to be funded at the rates of 40% federal, 26% state, and 34% local. It has never been fully funded by the Federal government. In 2005, it was funded at the rates of 19.8% Federal, 28% State, and 52.2% local. The Federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) program has resulted in slight funding increases in the Title Programs but other programs have been cut essentially leaving the District with more requirements but less Federal funding.
Some have asked about casino/gaming funds for education. The simple answer for the City of St. Charles School District is that the only casino/gaming funds the District receives is property taxes like all other local tax payers pay. The casino tax goes to the State’s General Fund. The General Fund is used to fund the State Foundation Formula. The City of St. Charles School District is receiving the same amount under Foundation Formula it received in 1993 (pre-casino funding).
What are the Districts choices? (1) Close a couple elementary schools, reduce the number of teaching and support positions, change attendance boundaries for all schools, and consider other organizational changes or (2) ask the local tax payers for a debt tax levy to operating tax levy transfer (Proposition A) and an operating tax levy increase (Proposition B). Proposition B is needed in addition to Proposition A to keep all schools open, to retain existing attendance boundaries, to retain the same number of teachers, and to keep teacher salaries competitive.
What are the benefits of Proposition A and B passing? Keeping all the existing schools open, keeping the attendance areas for each school the same, retaining the teaching staff at the same level, making salaries for teachers competitive to ensure the best teachers are obtained and retained, and nearly 6,000 children in our community being provided an outstanding education. Who benefits? (1) Nearly 6,000 children now and additional children over the years to come and (2) the community in general by maintaining a quality community and to sustain property values. I believe the passing of Propositions A and B is a small investment with big results for our community. I believe this to the point that I am willing to increase my own taxes.
Dennis J. Hahn
School Board Member
City of St. Charles School District
An Open Letter to the Tax Payers In St Charles R6 School District:
The district administrators for the St Charles R-6 school district have declared a financial crisis. The school board has agreed. If the tax payers do not approve a 28-cent tax levy transfer and a 50-cent tax increase the school board intends to implement a major restructuring of our school system. The following is the basic plan.
One or two of our grade schools will be closed. Blackhurst and Lincoln are the primary targets. Benton is another possibility. All grade schools would be changed to grades K through 4. They are presently K through 5. Jefferson Middle School will be changed to grades 5 and 6. Hardin Middle School will be changed to grades 7 & 8. The middle schools are presently grade 6 through 8. The boundaries for all grade schools will be redrawn to balance school size and hundreds of children will be forced to change school. Additionally, hundreds of children who presently walk to their neighborhood grade school or middle school will need to be bused to their ‘new’ grade 5-6 or 7-8 school. Plus, class size will be increased by 4 to 5 students per teacher. Additionally, the 85 minutes seminar period at both high schools would be eliminated. The seminar is scheduled every other day. It would be replaced with an ‘academic lab’ held once a week for 45 minutes.
However, the financial projections presented by the district administration fail to confirm the ‘crisis’. There is no need for the 50-cent tax increase, which would increase real estate taxes by approximately $142 for a home assessed at $150,000. The so-called crisis can be eliminated with only the 28-cent tax levy transfer.
Here is the primary financial information. I have quoted the figures verbatim from the school administrative office. These financial projections assume that no schools are closed, the middle schools are not reconfigured, and the high school seminar period remains the same. In short, we continue to operate under the present status quo.
We started the 2005/06 school year with a reserve fund of $6,001,968. The operating expenses for this school year are estimated at $51,872,776. The estimated revenue is $51,871,261. The revenue is derived from real estate taxes and personal property taxes from the residents that live in the R-6 school district. These taxes account for about 65% of the school district’s operating budget. Additionally, money is received from the state, which accounts for the remaining 35%. We will end the school year with a reserve of $6,000,453, which is essentially where we started.
The financial picture for the next school year (2006/07) is not as good. The district administration has estimated revenue at $53,268,493, which is a 2.7% increase. Operating expenses are estimated at $54,063,754, an increase of 4.3%. Expenses have exceeded revenue by $795,261. The reserve fund has been reduced to $5,205,192. The reserve fund will continue to decrease until it is depleted during the 2009-10 school year. The financial projection indicates a negative balance of $532,461 at the end of the 2009-10 school year. Obviously, actions must be taken to stop this from occurring.
The action necessary is the 28-cent tax levy transfer. This will generate an additional $2,300,000 per year, if approved. Therefore, without closing or reconfiguring any schools or eliminating seminar, the district will have $7,505,192 in reserve at the end of the 2006-07 school year if the 28-cent tax levy transfer is approved. This represents the original reserve fund of $5,205,192 plus the additional $2,300,000 from the 28-cent tax levy transfer.
The reserve fund will continue to increase and reach a high of $8,941,088 at the end of the 2008-09 school year. The reserve fund will decrease by $273,549 during the 2009-10 school year and close at $8,667,539. These are some of the highest balances that the district has had in the last 10 years.
The state of Missouri requires that all school districts maintain a minimum of 3% of their operating budget in reserve at all time. Based on our districts operating budget, we need to maintain a balance of approximately $1,600,000 to meet this requirement. The reserve fund will exceed the 3% minimum requirement and provide adequate cash flow at all times through the 2009-10 school year if the 28-cent tax transfer is approved.
There is no state-mandated minimum reserve problem. There is no cash flow problem. There is no financial problem that the 28-cent tax levy transfer will not solve. In the future we may want to consider a tax increase for specific purposes. But we do not need a tax increase to keep our schools open and operating as they are today.
UPDATE: The school district has released updated financial information for this year (2005-06). The opening financial position on July 1, 2005 was $6,685,302. This is $683,334 higher than originally announced. Additionally, revenue will exceed expenses this year by $223,605. Originally, a slight decrease of $1,515 was projected. So here’s the bottom line. When the school year ends on June 30, 2006 the district projects a surplus of $6,908,907. This is more than $900,000 higher than the figures provided to the public.
Gary Shelton
R6 School Board Candidate
Number 5 on the ballot
First Capitol News and others,
I am writing in regard to the Frenchtown 353 Redevelopment plan and the CPR organization.
The proposal is to renovate Second Street from French Street to Tecumseh, but what about the rest of Frenchtown. Several property owners in the area have asked why not redevelop from Morgan Street to Tecumseh. Perhaps we should start at Decatur Street. Several of these properties need renovation or a change of use to properly implement a total neighborhood plan. Imposing fines and citing code violations should be a last means to motivate a property owner. Most of these properties are not economically feasible for major renovation because of the present economic base of the area. It would take a complete effort of all properties together to attract new businesses and residences. What is the reason for the present vacancies?? There has to be a total neighborhood attraction to attract and sustain new businesses. In the past, a sole proprietor could succeed due to the affordable rents and the presence of other compatible businesses. The present costs of properties, plus improvements vs. shopper traffic, do not make it feasible for the small business to exist.
The present suggested developer and his plan is the best that we have seen so far, but we have not solicited other developers to look at this area. It was explained to me that Mr. Griffey is a builder and has no experience at renovation work. This may be the reason that the rest of Second Street is left out of the present proposal. There are many developers that have experience at redeveloping an entire neighborhood, incorporating the old with the new.
We have hopes that the new construction will bring in the needed economic base. South Main has it’s shops and historic value as an attraction. North Main has offices by day and food and entertainment by night. Frenchtown will need it’s own attractions to fill the retail vacancies. The east side of Second Street from French to Tecumseh is the main area in Frenchtown that has public exposure to the Katy Trail and views of the Missouri River. Building on this site would provide beautiful condos only for a few and would rob Frenchtown of a valuable asset.
I have owned several businesses and properties in Frenchtown since 1979 and presently own the McKinley School Building. It would be great to see Frenchtown come alive and have it’s own prosperous identity. Let’s not settle for something short of revitalizing the entire area.
Ed Baumgarth
Tony:
The following letter was published in one of your competitors’ papers on Wednesday, March 22. Unfortunately, several sections of the original text were removed, and a grammatical error inserted, which somewhat diminished the impact for which I was hoping and reflected poorly on our police chief. This was not my intent. Would like you to publish it in the FCN as it was initially written, to clear up any misconception. Thanks.
Gene Jones
Dear First Capitol News
Now that the city is back in the good graces of Tom Mayer, courtesy of 57 big ones, perhaps we should look in our crystal ball and see what awaits us down the road. The recall election for Dottie Greer is fast approaching; the public relations steamroller is at full speed, the Tuesday night massacres by the Citizen’s Disembowelment and Do the Right Thing Committees are peaking, the spin doctors are attempting to put the fraudulent signatures in a better light, etc., etc.
Let’s (reluctantly) assume for a moment that the recall effort is successful. If there was this much hype for Dottie’s recall, can you imagine the tidal wave that will be brought to bear on the campaign of the candidate chosen for her replacement? Assume also that the mayor’s candidate wins and becomes the sixth pro-mayor vote on the city council; think of the possibilities!
We could bring our “Top Cop” back out of “retirement” to be the Assistant Police Chief (a position created by the new council). This would put him in excellent position to step into the chief’s shoes should Chief Swope make a substantial mistake in the conduct of his job (you know, like Dottie Greer did). After all, he was the one that reported the fraud in the recall petitions, and oh yes, he was the one who fired Mr. Mayer (I’m sorry, retired him). It was also Chief Swope whose storm troopers scared Mr. Hughes out of his wits by doing their job on the recall signature investigation.
We could go back to the pre-April 2004 days of the “rubber stamp, spend-it-like-you-had-it-because-the-mayor-wants-it” city council. In fact, I think we’ve already started, with Mr. Hoepfner’s magnanimous $150,000 proposal for the mayor’s salary beginning in 2007. You all remember Mr. Hoepfner, “Battling Bob, Champion of the Underdog, Friend of the Working Man”? Even though he wears a different hat now?
But these and similar atrocities don’t have to happen; Seventh Ward voters have a golden opportunity to prevent them by retaining their elected representative to maintain a balance of power in the council. The present evenness between factions prevents either side (I dislike that term, but it’s a fact of life) from riding roughshod over the other, and the council has shown that they can vote together when the situation deserves it. I hope the voters realize that the steam roller, spin doctors, and wild-eyed young attorneys can’t follow you into the voting booth, and April 4 is your chance to do the right thing.
And Tim: Watch your back.
Gene Jones
St. Charles
An open letter to the people of Ward 7
Tuesday April 4, you people of Ward 7 have an important job to do. You hold the fate of St. Charles in your hands. I urge you to vote to keep Dottie Greer on the Council by voting NO on recall. I can’t do that. I don’t live in Ward 7. I live next door in Ward 10. This is not just a ward issue. This affects all of us. This recall is not about Dottie Greer. It is not about cell phone towers or fireworks. It is about power. Presently the City Council is evenly divided. Neither faction has the upper hand. The removal of Dottie Greer would tip the balance of power in favor of the major developers in the metro area. These developers, through the groups they have organized have been trying to gain control of our City for several years. Don’t let them do it.
For some time now these developers have been trying desperately to change the composition of our City Council so they can have a City government that will do their bidding; so they can have a free hand in the control of our government; so they can get sweetheart deals from City hall; so they can build homes and subdivisions outside our boundaries to standards less than our City standards and then expect to bring them into our confines; so they can devise grandiose projects for our City which we don’t need, don’t want, and can’t afford.
Right now we have a city Council that makes these developers toe the line, a Council that forces them to adhere to City standards, and a council that rejects their efforts if they don’t. Let’s keep it that way. Let’s keep Pearl Ridge from happening again.
There is another reason for keeping Dottie Greer on the Council. Dottie Greer has been a conscientious, dedicated, hardworking Councilperson for her ward and for the City. One who speaks out for what is right. She does not deserve the treatment to which she has been subjected lately.
Pay close attention to the wording on the ballot. The Ballot will say, “Shall Dorothy ‘Dottie’ Greer, be removed from office?” To KEEP Dottie Greer on the Council, you must mark the NO block on the ballot.
So help us all out and help our City. Vote April 4 to keep Dottie Greer on the Council by voting NO on recall.
Glenn Dashner, St. Charles
Re: R. L. Greer, ‘City Issues
March 11-24 issue
As organizer of CPR, Citizens Promoting Redevelopment, I can only agree with R.L.Greer’s proposal that the redevelopment area start at Morgan Street and go North to Tecumseh along Second street. I own property on Second Street and it would please me tremendously for the City to declare the entire street a redevelopment area and address the issue of the many blighted buildings that individual developers and owners fail to develop or maintain. Maybe they could go after the absentee landlords and the code violators too. Perhaps they can also target those who are waiting for a windfall for their property while the structure on it falls down. In these parts we call it “demolition by neglect.” Many of the buildings could be brought back to their original design and usefulness if greedy, uninterested, code violating owners were subject to stricter fines and the City had the power to take the derelict buildings from these people through some type of legal proceeding. There are many folks who have put their hearts,souls and every penny they have into the buildings they own in the Frenchtown neighborhood and on Second Street. A little help from an honest developer and the City could do wonders for the original ‘New Town’. For now, we are happy that there is even a plan for redevelopment on Second Street from French St. to Tecumseh St..
Maureen Bouxsein
Support Propositions A and B on April 4
If you are wondering why Propositions A and B are necessary, it is because the funds to continue to operate the City of St. Charles School District schools are falling short. Why are they falling short? (1) The District is one of 58 of 524 school districts classified by the State as a Hold Harmless District (HHD) meaning that for the last 13 years (since 1993) the District has been frozen for State funding under the Foundation Formula at $1,287.85 per student. (The cost to educate a student in the District is $7,811.99.) With a declining student population, the District looses State Foundation Formula funding in this amount for each lost student, which further complicates the funding issue. If the City of St. Charles School District received the same amount per student under the Foundation Formula for example as the Fort Zumwalt District at $1,746.57, another $2,700,000 would be received from the State. There are Districts in the St. Louis side of the river that receive as much as $6,158.64 per student under the Foundation Formula. I do not think this is fair but that is the way it is, and it forces our local tax payers to pay more than some other communities. (2) While the debt tax levy for building improvement was increased a couple years ago, the operating tax levy has not been increased for several years. In fact, due to property reassessment and as required by law, the District has rolled back the operating tax levy. Instead of increasing the operating tax levy over the past several years, the District has repeatedly trimmed its budget and two years ago eliminated 65 teaching positions. 57.6% of the District’s operating funds come from the local tax payers making the District highly dependent on the local operating tax levy. 75.6% of the District’s expenditures is for salaries and benefits leaving 24.4% for operation and maintenance of facilities and programs. To further reduce spending means cutting teaching positions, which also means closing a couple elementary schools. (3) Essentially each year, the District is hit with unfunded mandates from the State and the Federal governments, which erodes the local operating tax levy. For example, the State At Risk Program is funded at 86% versus the required 100%, the State Gifted Program is funded at 63% versus the required 75%, State Transportation is funded at 56% versus the required 75%, and the State Map Testing is funded at $1.80 per student but the cost is $8.00. The Federal Special Education Program was to be funded at the rates of 40% federal, 26% state, and 34% local. It has never been fully funded by the Federal government. In 2005, it was funded at the rates of 19.8% Federal, 28% State, and 52.2% local. The Federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) program has resulted in slight funding increases in the Title Programs but other programs have been cut essentially leaving the District with more requirements but less Federal funding.
Some have asked about casino/gaming funds for education. The simple answer for the City of St. Charles School District is that the only casino/gaming funds the District receives is property taxes like all other local tax payers pay. The casino tax goes to the State’s General Fund. The General Fund is used to fund the State Foundation Formula. The City of St. Charles School District is receiving the same amount under Foundation Formula it received in 1993 (pre-casino funding).
What are the Districts choices? (1) Close a couple elementary schools, reduce the number of teaching and support positions, change attendance boundaries for all schools, and consider other organizational changes or (2) ask the local tax payers for a debt tax levy to operating tax levy transfer (Proposition A) and an operating tax levy increase (Proposition B). Proposition B is needed in addition to Proposition A to keep all schools open, to retain existing attendance boundaries, to retain the same number of teachers, and to keep teacher salaries competitive.
What are the benefits of Proposition A and B passing? Keeping all the existing schools open, keeping the attendance areas for each school the same, retaining the teaching staff at the same level, making salaries for teachers competitive to ensure the best teachers are obtained and retained, and nearly 6,000 children in our community being provided an outstanding education. Who benefits? (1) Nearly 6,000 children now and additional children over the years to come and (2) the community in general by maintaining a quality community and to sustain property values. I believe the passing of Propositions A and B is a small investment with big results for our community. I believe this to the point that I am willing to increase my own taxes.
Dennis J. Hahn
School Board Member
City of St. Charles School District
An Open Letter to the Tax Payers In St Charles R6 School District:
The district administrators for the St Charles R-6 school district have declared a financial crisis. The school board has agreed. If the tax payers do not approve a 28-cent tax levy transfer and a 50-cent tax increase the school board intends to implement a major restructuring of our school system. The following is the basic plan.
One or two of our grade schools will be closed. Blackhurst and Lincoln are the primary targets. Benton is another possibility. All grade schools would be changed to grades K through 4. They are presently K through 5. Jefferson Middle School will be changed to grades 5 and 6. Hardin Middle School will be changed to grades 7 & 8. The middle schools are presently grade 6 through 8. The boundaries for all grade schools will be redrawn to balance school size and hundreds of children will be forced to change school. Additionally, hundreds of children who presently walk to their neighborhood grade school or middle school will need to be bused to their ‘new’ grade 5-6 or 7-8 school. Plus, class size will be increased by 4 to 5 students per teacher. Additionally, the 85 minutes seminar period at both high schools would be eliminated. The seminar is scheduled every other day. It would be replaced with an ‘academic lab’ held once a week for 45 minutes.
However, the financial projections presented by the district administration fail to confirm the ‘crisis’. There is no need for the 50-cent tax increase, which would increase real estate taxes by approximately $142 for a home assessed at $150,000. The so-called crisis can be eliminated with only the 28-cent tax levy transfer.
Here is the primary financial information. I have quoted the figures verbatim from the school administrative office. These financial projections assume that no schools are closed, the middle schools are not reconfigured, and the high school seminar period remains the same. In short, we continue to operate under the present status quo.
We started the 2005/06 school year with a reserve fund of $6,001,968. The operating expenses for this school year are estimated at $51,872,776. The estimated revenue is $51,871,261. The revenue is derived from real estate taxes and personal property taxes from the residents that live in the R-6 school district. These taxes account for about 65% of the school district’s operating budget. Additionally, money is received from the state, which accounts for the remaining 35%. We will end the school year with a reserve of $6,000,453, which is essentially where we started.
The financial picture for the next school year (2006/07) is not as good. The district administration has estimated revenue at $53,268,493, which is a 2.7% increase. Operating expenses are estimated at $54,063,754, an increase of 4.3%. Expenses have exceeded revenue by $795,261. The reserve fund has been reduced to $5,205,192. The reserve fund will continue to decrease until it is depleted during the 2009-10 school year. The financial projection indicates a negative balance of $532,461 at the end of the 2009-10 school year. Obviously, actions must be taken to stop this from occurring.
The action necessary is the 28-cent tax levy transfer. This will generate an additional $2,300,000 per year, if approved. Therefore, without closing or reconfiguring any schools or eliminating seminar, the district will have $7,505,192 in reserve at the end of the 2006-07 school year if the 28-cent tax levy transfer is approved. This represents the original reserve fund of $5,205,192 plus the additional $2,300,000 from the 28-cent tax levy transfer.
The reserve fund will continue to increase and reach a high of $8,941,088 at the end of the 2008-09 school year. The reserve fund will decrease by $273,549 during the 2009-10 school year and close at $8,667,539. These are some of the highest balances that the district has had in the last 10 years.
The state of Missouri requires that all school districts maintain a minimum of 3% of their operating budget in reserve at all time. Based on our districts operating budget, we need to maintain a balance of approximately $1,600,000 to meet this requirement. The reserve fund will exceed the 3% minimum requirement and provide adequate cash flow at all times through the 2009-10 school year if the 28-cent tax transfer is approved.
There is no state-mandated minimum reserve problem. There is no cash flow problem. There is no financial problem that the 28-cent tax levy transfer will not solve. In the future we may want to consider a tax increase for specific purposes. But we do not need a tax increase to keep our schools open and operating as they are today.
UPDATE: The school district has released updated financial information for this year (2005-06). The opening financial position on July 1, 2005 was $6,685,302. This is $683,334 higher than originally announced. Additionally, revenue will exceed expenses this year by $223,605. Originally, a slight decrease of $1,515 was projected. So here’s the bottom line. When the school year ends on June 30, 2006 the district projects a surplus of $6,908,907. This is more than $900,000 higher than the figures provided to the public.
Gary Shelton
R6 School Board Candidate
Number 5 on the ballot
First Capitol News and others,
I am writing in regard to the Frenchtown 353 Redevelopment plan and the CPR organization.
The proposal is to renovate Second Street from French Street to Tecumseh, but what about the rest of Frenchtown. Several property owners in the area have asked why not redevelop from Morgan Street to Tecumseh. Perhaps we should start at Decatur Street. Several of these properties need renovation or a change of use to properly implement a total neighborhood plan. Imposing fines and citing code violations should be a last means to motivate a property owner. Most of these properties are not economically feasible for major renovation because of the present economic base of the area. It would take a complete effort of all properties together to attract new businesses and residences. What is the reason for the present vacancies?? There has to be a total neighborhood attraction to attract and sustain new businesses. In the past, a sole proprietor could succeed due to the affordable rents and the presence of other compatible businesses. The present costs of properties, plus improvements vs. shopper traffic, do not make it feasible for the small business to exist.
The present suggested developer and his plan is the best that we have seen so far, but we have not solicited other developers to look at this area. It was explained to me that Mr. Griffey is a builder and has no experience at renovation work. This may be the reason that the rest of Second Street is left out of the present proposal. There are many developers that have experience at redeveloping an entire neighborhood, incorporating the old with the new.
We have hopes that the new construction will bring in the needed economic base. South Main has it’s shops and historic value as an attraction. North Main has offices by day and food and entertainment by night. Frenchtown will need it’s own attractions to fill the retail vacancies. The east side of Second Street from French to Tecumseh is the main area in Frenchtown that has public exposure to the Katy Trail and views of the Missouri River. Building on this site would provide beautiful condos only for a few and would rob Frenchtown of a valuable asset.
I have owned several businesses and properties in Frenchtown since 1979 and presently own the McKinley School Building. It would be great to see Frenchtown come alive and have it’s own prosperous identity. Let’s not settle for something short of revitalizing the entire area.
Ed Baumgarth
Tony:
The following letter was published in one of your competitors’ papers on Wednesday, March 22. Unfortunately, several sections of the original text were removed, and a grammatical error inserted, which somewhat diminished the impact for which I was hoping and reflected poorly on our police chief. This was not my intent. Would like you to publish it in the FCN as it was initially written, to clear up any misconception. Thanks.
Gene Jones
Dear First Capitol News
Now that the city is back in the good graces of Tom Mayer, courtesy of 57 big ones, perhaps we should look in our crystal ball and see what awaits us down the road. The recall election for Dottie Greer is fast approaching; the public relations steamroller is at full speed, the Tuesday night massacres by the Citizen’s Disembowelment and Do the Right Thing Committees are peaking, the spin doctors are attempting to put the fraudulent signatures in a better light, etc., etc.
Let’s (reluctantly) assume for a moment that the recall effort is successful. If there was this much hype for Dottie’s recall, can you imagine the tidal wave that will be brought to bear on the campaign of the candidate chosen for her replacement? Assume also that the mayor’s candidate wins and becomes the sixth pro-mayor vote on the city council; think of the possibilities!
We could bring our “Top Cop” back out of “retirement” to be the Assistant Police Chief (a position created by the new council). This would put him in excellent position to step into the chief’s shoes should Chief Swope make a substantial mistake in the conduct of his job (you know, like Dottie Greer did). After all, he was the one that reported the fraud in the recall petitions, and oh yes, he was the one who fired Mr. Mayer (I’m sorry, retired him). It was also Chief Swope whose storm troopers scared Mr. Hughes out of his wits by doing their job on the recall signature investigation.
We could go back to the pre-April 2004 days of the “rubber stamp, spend-it-like-you-had-it-because-the-mayor-wants-it” city council. In fact, I think we’ve already started, with Mr. Hoepfner’s magnanimous $150,000 proposal for the mayor’s salary beginning in 2007. You all remember Mr. Hoepfner, “Battling Bob, Champion of the Underdog, Friend of the Working Man”? Even though he wears a different hat now?
But these and similar atrocities don’t have to happen; Seventh Ward voters have a golden opportunity to prevent them by retaining their elected representative to maintain a balance of power in the council. The present evenness between factions prevents either side (I dislike that term, but it’s a fact of life) from riding roughshod over the other, and the council has shown that they can vote together when the situation deserves it. I hope the voters realize that the steam roller, spin doctors, and wild-eyed young attorneys can’t follow you into the voting booth, and April 4 is your chance to do the right thing.
And Tim: Watch your back.
Gene Jones
St. Charles
An open letter to the people of Ward 7
Tuesday April 4, you people of Ward 7 have an important job to do. You hold the fate of St. Charles in your hands. I urge you to vote to keep Dottie Greer on the Council by voting NO on recall. I can’t do that. I don’t live in Ward 7. I live next door in Ward 10. This is not just a ward issue. This affects all of us. This recall is not about Dottie Greer. It is not about cell phone towers or fireworks. It is about power. Presently the City Council is evenly divided. Neither faction has the upper hand. The removal of Dottie Greer would tip the balance of power in favor of the major developers in the metro area. These developers, through the groups they have organized have been trying to gain control of our City for several years. Don’t let them do it.
For some time now these developers have been trying desperately to change the composition of our City Council so they can have a City government that will do their bidding; so they can have a free hand in the control of our government; so they can get sweetheart deals from City hall; so they can build homes and subdivisions outside our boundaries to standards less than our City standards and then expect to bring them into our confines; so they can devise grandiose projects for our City which we don’t need, don’t want, and can’t afford.
Right now we have a city Council that makes these developers toe the line, a Council that forces them to adhere to City standards, and a council that rejects their efforts if they don’t. Let’s keep it that way. Let’s keep Pearl Ridge from happening again.
There is another reason for keeping Dottie Greer on the Council. Dottie Greer has been a conscientious, dedicated, hardworking Councilperson for her ward and for the City. One who speaks out for what is right. She does not deserve the treatment to which she has been subjected lately.
Pay close attention to the wording on the ballot. The Ballot will say, “Shall Dorothy ‘Dottie’ Greer, be removed from office?” To KEEP Dottie Greer on the Council, you must mark the NO block on the ballot.
So help us all out and help our City. Vote April 4 to keep Dottie Greer on the Council by voting NO on recall.
Glenn Dashner, St. Charles
Re: R. L. Greer, ‘City Issues
March 11-24 issue
As organizer of CPR, Citizens Promoting Redevelopment, I can only agree with R.L.Greer’s proposal that the redevelopment area start at Morgan Street and go North to Tecumseh along Second street. I own property on Second Street and it would please me tremendously for the City to declare the entire street a redevelopment area and address the issue of the many blighted buildings that individual developers and owners fail to develop or maintain. Maybe they could go after the absentee landlords and the code violators too. Perhaps they can also target those who are waiting for a windfall for their property while the structure on it falls down. In these parts we call it “demolition by neglect.” Many of the buildings could be brought back to their original design and usefulness if greedy, uninterested, code violating owners were subject to stricter fines and the City had the power to take the derelict buildings from these people through some type of legal proceeding. There are many folks who have put their hearts,souls and every penny they have into the buildings they own in the Frenchtown neighborhood and on Second Street. A little help from an honest developer and the City could do wonders for the original ‘New Town’. For now, we are happy that there is even a plan for redevelopment on Second Street from French St. to Tecumseh St..
Maureen Bouxsein
CASE IN POINT JOE KOESTER, COUNCILMAN WARD 9
“Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world”.
Arthur Schopenhauer
A culture of greed and corruption are firmly planted in the halls of Congress and in the White House and obviously in Jefferson City. Too many elected officials see themselves as removed from average society and place themselves in an elitist position that includes voting to give themselves and their families great health care benefits while simultaneously giving the boot to our state's poorest children who were served by state health care programs (see state senate candidate, Scott Rupp). It's only welfare when it's not them receiving government handouts It's truly shameful that while Illinois is striving to provide health care for all of the children in their state, Missouri turns its back on the most vulnerable among us.
The President stated after the last election that he had political capital to spend and he was going to spend it. Expectedly, this capital did not include anything that is of interest to the middle or lower classes of our country and foolishly this so-called capital was squandered by fighting on behalf of the United Arab Emirates to take over numerous American ports -- what a disconnect this administration has with the sentiment of our land!
Now there are plans to sell off national forest lands including parts of the Mark Twain National Forest here in Missouri. I can see it now, no-bid contracts will be granted to Bush and Cheney's cronies at a fraction of what the land would bring otherwise and after these guys have cleared off the timber they will sell it back to the public at ten times the amount they paid. Remember, it's only welfare when it's not their friends receiving public tax dollar handouts.
I believe that very few Missourians support selling off public lands regardless of reason, but per usual we have no voice in this decision and, hey, Bush has political capital and he's going to spend it. Supposedly this money is earmarked for education. Don't you believe it!
For years Democrats were branded as "tax and spend liberals." Boy, we have seen that Republicans have lost all face when it comes to fiscal responsibility and clearly the phrase, "Borrow-and-spend Republicans" is far more fitting. Remember, it's only welfare when the money goes to social programs rather than corporate leaders who hob knob with the President and Co.
Let me see if I can figure out the neo-conservative argument one more time. I think it goes something like this -- low taxes spur economic growth while higher wages decrease economic growth. Free trade that allows U.S. jobs to head south of the border are good because it provides for lower consumer costs and environmental regulations deter investment. Government cannot do a damn thing right including public education so we might as well privatize the whole system. While we are at it, let's privatize the parks, prisons and the postal service too. Schools are just welfare because it's not their children who attend those schools.
Now, here is what I know - the lowest tax states in the union have the lowest standards of living (see Mississippi, Alabama, etc.), the worst schools, and poor wages. The high tax states have the best schools, more corporate headquarters and better living standards. States that have support for labor also have far better wages and better trained workers. Look around at your neighbors, chances are, one of them to your right or left afford their home because they have a union job that provides them with benefits and a living wage. Several states frustrated with the refusal of Congress to increase the minimum wage have taken it upon themselves to increase the minimum wage within their own borders. What was the result? A much better job growth rate than the rest of the nation! And what about those factory jobs leaving our land for southern climes where they can pay a slave wage and pollute water, air, and land at will? What are the consequences of all this job loss? Certainly de-industrialization and rural poverty are two deleterious costs to our society - not everyone is going to be a lawyer, despite what it sometimes seems. These jobs are needed here too - paying a living wage with benefits. How much cheaper did Nike's become once they moved their production from our shores to China?
Lastly, businesses benefit greatly from close alliance with government. CEO's may scorn government magnitude in the public eye but they are ready for any tax dollar handout they can get. Throughout history it has been government initiative that has had the greatest impact on societal progress not private interests. If the corporation could, it would still demand 16 hour days at low wages with no benefits. It was government that improved working conditions one mandate at a time, not altruism of the corporation. Again, I would like to point out that corporations are neither good nor bad; they are what we allow them to be. One role of government is to act as the arbiter of balance between corporate and public interests.
From time to time the government climbs completely into bed with corporations and public interests suffer. Free market usually gets quashed at this point because the business-government relationship hands protection to the business realm while telling the public that it's in their best interest because "prices will be lower" (or stock prices higher?). This is where we are at today. Businesses up and down the scale have turned governments up and down the scale into their own personal advocates to the detriment of the public -- and it's not welfare if the check is written to a major contributor of Senator Jones or Representative Smith.
How did we get here? Smoke and mirrors play a large role. Many good-intentioned voters saw clarity when the issue of abortion was made black and white some 25 years ago. This one issue has done more to erode public discourse than anything else. Republicans who have always been tied to corporate abuse of power and special legislation for the wealthiest in the country had to change the dialogue of the land if they were ever to make advancements in the House and Senate. Remember, before the perennial abortion issue came about, the US was leading the world in progressive legislation in many areas including environment. The world looked to us with great awe and respect back then and I think our country thought of itself more of a collective than the current nation of haves and have-nots. Faced with nearly a half century of minority status, Republicans clamored for political traction. Their spin doctors found issues that worked wonders -- to some extent it was frightening people that their guns would be taken away, but mainly it was by placing abortion above all else. Good people were turned away from offices that had no bearing on abortion simply because they were Democrats and by default pro-abortionists.
As a Democrat I am very pro-life; I want to live in a society that values our mothers and provides them with adequate pre-natal care and health insurance. I want our little children (and adults) to be taken care of by affordable health insurance and I want clean water for them to drink and clean air for them to breathe. I hope that they receive a good education and find employment that provides for their children even if that means government giving a helping hand in this matter. I hope for well-informed citizens who enter into government in order to improve things rather than feather their own nests.
Sadly, none of this will happen with the current culture of corruption that plagues our government both on a federal and state level. Remember, it's all of our welfare at stake and it's our family, friends, and ourselves who we are fighting for!
Arthur Schopenhauer
A culture of greed and corruption are firmly planted in the halls of Congress and in the White House and obviously in Jefferson City. Too many elected officials see themselves as removed from average society and place themselves in an elitist position that includes voting to give themselves and their families great health care benefits while simultaneously giving the boot to our state's poorest children who were served by state health care programs (see state senate candidate, Scott Rupp). It's only welfare when it's not them receiving government handouts It's truly shameful that while Illinois is striving to provide health care for all of the children in their state, Missouri turns its back on the most vulnerable among us.
The President stated after the last election that he had political capital to spend and he was going to spend it. Expectedly, this capital did not include anything that is of interest to the middle or lower classes of our country and foolishly this so-called capital was squandered by fighting on behalf of the United Arab Emirates to take over numerous American ports -- what a disconnect this administration has with the sentiment of our land!
Now there are plans to sell off national forest lands including parts of the Mark Twain National Forest here in Missouri. I can see it now, no-bid contracts will be granted to Bush and Cheney's cronies at a fraction of what the land would bring otherwise and after these guys have cleared off the timber they will sell it back to the public at ten times the amount they paid. Remember, it's only welfare when it's not their friends receiving public tax dollar handouts.
I believe that very few Missourians support selling off public lands regardless of reason, but per usual we have no voice in this decision and, hey, Bush has political capital and he's going to spend it. Supposedly this money is earmarked for education. Don't you believe it!
For years Democrats were branded as "tax and spend liberals." Boy, we have seen that Republicans have lost all face when it comes to fiscal responsibility and clearly the phrase, "Borrow-and-spend Republicans" is far more fitting. Remember, it's only welfare when the money goes to social programs rather than corporate leaders who hob knob with the President and Co.
Let me see if I can figure out the neo-conservative argument one more time. I think it goes something like this -- low taxes spur economic growth while higher wages decrease economic growth. Free trade that allows U.S. jobs to head south of the border are good because it provides for lower consumer costs and environmental regulations deter investment. Government cannot do a damn thing right including public education so we might as well privatize the whole system. While we are at it, let's privatize the parks, prisons and the postal service too. Schools are just welfare because it's not their children who attend those schools.
Now, here is what I know - the lowest tax states in the union have the lowest standards of living (see Mississippi, Alabama, etc.), the worst schools, and poor wages. The high tax states have the best schools, more corporate headquarters and better living standards. States that have support for labor also have far better wages and better trained workers. Look around at your neighbors, chances are, one of them to your right or left afford their home because they have a union job that provides them with benefits and a living wage. Several states frustrated with the refusal of Congress to increase the minimum wage have taken it upon themselves to increase the minimum wage within their own borders. What was the result? A much better job growth rate than the rest of the nation! And what about those factory jobs leaving our land for southern climes where they can pay a slave wage and pollute water, air, and land at will? What are the consequences of all this job loss? Certainly de-industrialization and rural poverty are two deleterious costs to our society - not everyone is going to be a lawyer, despite what it sometimes seems. These jobs are needed here too - paying a living wage with benefits. How much cheaper did Nike's become once they moved their production from our shores to China?
Lastly, businesses benefit greatly from close alliance with government. CEO's may scorn government magnitude in the public eye but they are ready for any tax dollar handout they can get. Throughout history it has been government initiative that has had the greatest impact on societal progress not private interests. If the corporation could, it would still demand 16 hour days at low wages with no benefits. It was government that improved working conditions one mandate at a time, not altruism of the corporation. Again, I would like to point out that corporations are neither good nor bad; they are what we allow them to be. One role of government is to act as the arbiter of balance between corporate and public interests.
From time to time the government climbs completely into bed with corporations and public interests suffer. Free market usually gets quashed at this point because the business-government relationship hands protection to the business realm while telling the public that it's in their best interest because "prices will be lower" (or stock prices higher?). This is where we are at today. Businesses up and down the scale have turned governments up and down the scale into their own personal advocates to the detriment of the public -- and it's not welfare if the check is written to a major contributor of Senator Jones or Representative Smith.
How did we get here? Smoke and mirrors play a large role. Many good-intentioned voters saw clarity when the issue of abortion was made black and white some 25 years ago. This one issue has done more to erode public discourse than anything else. Republicans who have always been tied to corporate abuse of power and special legislation for the wealthiest in the country had to change the dialogue of the land if they were ever to make advancements in the House and Senate. Remember, before the perennial abortion issue came about, the US was leading the world in progressive legislation in many areas including environment. The world looked to us with great awe and respect back then and I think our country thought of itself more of a collective than the current nation of haves and have-nots. Faced with nearly a half century of minority status, Republicans clamored for political traction. Their spin doctors found issues that worked wonders -- to some extent it was frightening people that their guns would be taken away, but mainly it was by placing abortion above all else. Good people were turned away from offices that had no bearing on abortion simply because they were Democrats and by default pro-abortionists.
As a Democrat I am very pro-life; I want to live in a society that values our mothers and provides them with adequate pre-natal care and health insurance. I want our little children (and adults) to be taken care of by affordable health insurance and I want clean water for them to drink and clean air for them to breathe. I hope that they receive a good education and find employment that provides for their children even if that means government giving a helping hand in this matter. I hope for well-informed citizens who enter into government in order to improve things rather than feather their own nests.
Sadly, none of this will happen with the current culture of corruption that plagues our government both on a federal and state level. Remember, it's all of our welfare at stake and it's our family, friends, and ourselves who we are fighting for!
THE CITY DESK - City Council President Rory Riddler
Starting Up Your Own Business
Takes A Lot More Than Lemons
A recent day of sunshine, and above normal temperatures, brought out more than an early Spring show of flowering trees and bushes. I also spotted the first lemonade stand of the season. It was a sophisticated affair with its own banner and proud, if somewhat less than busy, young proprietor.
The fact that kids today still set up lemonade stands, with all the other distractions in their lives, is a real testament to the allure of owning your own business. It says something about our entrepreneurial spirit.
Of course our erstwhile young capitalist was probably violating a dozen or so local, state and federal regulations….everything from not having a permit for the banner to displaying merchandise on the sidewalk. My guess is the wooden crate didn’t meet BOCA building codes. Come to think of it, I’m not sure he had the required number of parking spaces. He probably didn’t have a business license, fire inspection, health inspection, occupancy permit or tax ID number. On the plus side, the location was close to home, which really cut down on his commute time.
It’s easy when you’re eight years old to turn lemons into lemonade and manage to squeeze out a few hard earned dollars. It’s not as much fun when life-long dreams of owning a business turn sour.
The fact is that it has become increasingly difficult for average citizens to open a small retail business. New business startups are risky ventures with plenty of pitfalls along the way. Yet small business has been the backbone of local economies and, for those willing to work hard, starting a small business has helped many to realize The American Dream.
For someone with the dream of owning their own business, a retail incubator program can help reduce the risk of failure. It helps provide training, advice and resources to a fledgling entrepreneur. It can help reduce the cost of getting into business and help in securing loans.
St. Charles could benefit from attracting a greater number of small retail tenants to help fill older commercial storefronts. Residents have expressed a keen desire for a greater variety of stores and product lines to choose from. While efforts should continue to attract larger retail developments and life-style centers, I have proposed that we also consider the benefits of funding a retail incubator program to help launch new startup businesses.
The idea got a good reaction from my fellow Council members and the Mayor at the last council Work Session. City employees will be looking at similar programs in other communities and coming back to the council with more specific recommendations and suggested budget. While I can’t say what might be in a final draft, I can share with you some of the suggestions I’ve offered.
Applicants for assistance would have to submit a detailed business plan for review. A great group to do that, would be our own Economic Development Commission. The Commission could require applicants undertake a series of mini-courses to improve their skills in necessary areas.
These mini-courses or lectures could also be offered to existing businesses. Topics might include such necessary skills as:
Managing Employees
Preparing Business Taxes
Point Of Sale Inventory Management
Customer Relations
Setting Up An E-Commerce Web Site
Marketing A New Business
We could also tap the expertise of local business professors, the EDC and Chamber of Commerce to provide guest lecturers for a small stipend or honorarium. University students might also pitch in and help develop marketing and advertising plans, design web sites, business logos, interior displays and attractive signage for a new business as a class project. The City might also seek the assistance of a retired businessperson to help provide ongoing regular contact and counseling with each new business.
Of course, a major part of starting a new business is to secure the necessary startup capital. Conventional and small business loans may be available and our role would simply be to assist an individual with the necessary paperwork. But we may also find there is a need to provide some creative bridge financing or low interest loans.
While other communities have tied their incubator programs to a single building location with multiple tenants, in order to share resources more readily, I feel advances in telecommunications and networking computer systems might allow a multi-site approach. This would be especially beneficial if landlords would agree to work with the City and offer discounted rent. In return, the City could offer facade improvement grants or long-term monies to convert interior space.
The residents and taxpayers of St. Charles will benefit from a retail incubator program, through increased shopping variety, shopping opportunities closer to home (thus saving gas), sales taxes and retail dollars remaining in the community, and neighborhood stabilization by filling up empty storefronts.
If a retail incubator program gets off the ground, perhaps some “former” lemonade stand owners will get to realize the dream, the reality and the pride that comes from owning their own business.
As a small businessman, I know just enough to respect the personal commitment and sweat equity it takes to succeed at any business. My wife likes to quip that being self-employed means you get to decide which fourteen hours of the day you’re going to work. Maybe I need to build a lemonade stand.
Takes A Lot More Than Lemons
A recent day of sunshine, and above normal temperatures, brought out more than an early Spring show of flowering trees and bushes. I also spotted the first lemonade stand of the season. It was a sophisticated affair with its own banner and proud, if somewhat less than busy, young proprietor.
The fact that kids today still set up lemonade stands, with all the other distractions in their lives, is a real testament to the allure of owning your own business. It says something about our entrepreneurial spirit.
Of course our erstwhile young capitalist was probably violating a dozen or so local, state and federal regulations….everything from not having a permit for the banner to displaying merchandise on the sidewalk. My guess is the wooden crate didn’t meet BOCA building codes. Come to think of it, I’m not sure he had the required number of parking spaces. He probably didn’t have a business license, fire inspection, health inspection, occupancy permit or tax ID number. On the plus side, the location was close to home, which really cut down on his commute time.
It’s easy when you’re eight years old to turn lemons into lemonade and manage to squeeze out a few hard earned dollars. It’s not as much fun when life-long dreams of owning a business turn sour.
The fact is that it has become increasingly difficult for average citizens to open a small retail business. New business startups are risky ventures with plenty of pitfalls along the way. Yet small business has been the backbone of local economies and, for those willing to work hard, starting a small business has helped many to realize The American Dream.
For someone with the dream of owning their own business, a retail incubator program can help reduce the risk of failure. It helps provide training, advice and resources to a fledgling entrepreneur. It can help reduce the cost of getting into business and help in securing loans.
St. Charles could benefit from attracting a greater number of small retail tenants to help fill older commercial storefronts. Residents have expressed a keen desire for a greater variety of stores and product lines to choose from. While efforts should continue to attract larger retail developments and life-style centers, I have proposed that we also consider the benefits of funding a retail incubator program to help launch new startup businesses.
The idea got a good reaction from my fellow Council members and the Mayor at the last council Work Session. City employees will be looking at similar programs in other communities and coming back to the council with more specific recommendations and suggested budget. While I can’t say what might be in a final draft, I can share with you some of the suggestions I’ve offered.
Applicants for assistance would have to submit a detailed business plan for review. A great group to do that, would be our own Economic Development Commission. The Commission could require applicants undertake a series of mini-courses to improve their skills in necessary areas.
These mini-courses or lectures could also be offered to existing businesses. Topics might include such necessary skills as:
Managing Employees
Preparing Business Taxes
Point Of Sale Inventory Management
Customer Relations
Setting Up An E-Commerce Web Site
Marketing A New Business
We could also tap the expertise of local business professors, the EDC and Chamber of Commerce to provide guest lecturers for a small stipend or honorarium. University students might also pitch in and help develop marketing and advertising plans, design web sites, business logos, interior displays and attractive signage for a new business as a class project. The City might also seek the assistance of a retired businessperson to help provide ongoing regular contact and counseling with each new business.
Of course, a major part of starting a new business is to secure the necessary startup capital. Conventional and small business loans may be available and our role would simply be to assist an individual with the necessary paperwork. But we may also find there is a need to provide some creative bridge financing or low interest loans.
While other communities have tied their incubator programs to a single building location with multiple tenants, in order to share resources more readily, I feel advances in telecommunications and networking computer systems might allow a multi-site approach. This would be especially beneficial if landlords would agree to work with the City and offer discounted rent. In return, the City could offer facade improvement grants or long-term monies to convert interior space.
The residents and taxpayers of St. Charles will benefit from a retail incubator program, through increased shopping variety, shopping opportunities closer to home (thus saving gas), sales taxes and retail dollars remaining in the community, and neighborhood stabilization by filling up empty storefronts.
If a retail incubator program gets off the ground, perhaps some “former” lemonade stand owners will get to realize the dream, the reality and the pride that comes from owning their own business.
As a small businessman, I know just enough to respect the personal commitment and sweat equity it takes to succeed at any business. My wife likes to quip that being self-employed means you get to decide which fourteen hours of the day you’re going to work. Maybe I need to build a lemonade stand.
The View From The Cheap Seats
The View From The Cheap Seats
By Jerry Haferkamp
A friend called a few days ago and she was pretty fired up. She had an appointment to see our former City Administrator, but just prior to the meeting he called her to cancel. He claimed that he didn’t have time to meet with her. One of the reasons he gave for the cancellation was that he had been told that she wrote a column for the First Capitol News. The strange thing is that after she assured him that she didn’t write for the FCN, he suddenly found that he had the time to meet after all.
I do write a column for the FCN, but I don’t remember relinquishing my rights as a citizen. Of course, I feel no need to converse with someone who refuses to honor his contract. Kinda lets you know what this administration thinks about the residents here, doesn’t it?
One of the former mayors suggested that the whole Council should be replaced. I’ll go a step further. I think we can just do away with City Hall altogether. We can save thousands by just letting judges handle everything. One judge recently ruled that contracts aren’t contracts. Another ruled that our elected officials don’t get to decide what is in the best interest of the city. Let’s just replace Petty Patti, her gunslinger “Doc’ Williams and the Council with a couple of judges. If they can’t rule everything, we have a State Representative who will get special laws passed for his friends. Who needs a city government? Think of the savings. No elections…no recalls…just 2 “enlightened” judges.
The attempt by Judge Ted House to become the omnipotent King of St. Charles hit a snag at Tuesdays Council meeting. Several councilmen questioned whether a judge could force them to violate their sworn duties. King House issued a regal edict to the Council to disregard our Charter and direct the city staff to proceed with their ministerial duties with regard to the hooking up of utilities to a county development. Councilman Kneemiller, in an obvious move to win favor with the new King, made a motion not to order staff to comply with the order, but to actually give the developer permission to hook up. This put the individual councilman in the position of voting to violate our Charter or possibly violate King House’s edict. Weller, Kneemiller, Reese and Hoepfner did as expected, thumbing their noses at our Charter and their constituents, and bowed to the King. The councilmen who didn’t want to violate our Charter either abstained or left the meeting. This gave Larry, Curly, Moe and Shep the votes they needed. Riddler correctly abstained due to prior business activities with the developer on a different development that could be viewed as a conflict. Hoepfner should have abstained for the same reason. Earlier Larry, Curly, Moe and Shep voted against appealing the Kings edict to disregard the Charter.
Note to developers: If your development is outside our city, the King has given you superior powers. You no longer have to be approved by the elected representatives of St. Charles like developers inside the city do. Just ask for an audience with King House. Our ordinances and Charter apparently mean nothing to him.
Lets take a look at the Ward 7 scorecard:
Dottie Greer voted for a cell phone tower the residents needed. She voted to place constraints on use of fireworks that didn’t exist before. The past Fourth of July proved that they work. She also voted to take control of the Police Department from Mr. Linda and put it into the hands of a Chief of Police.
According to the investigations and depositions her opposition has falsified petitions, conspired to commit fraud by telling canvassers to falsify petitions, and apparently committed fraud by submitting petitions that they knew were fraudulent. They then used their speaking time at Council meetings to cry and moan about someone investigating their actions, all the while spouting that they did nothing wrong. They blame their employees. If Al Capone could have gotten away with that, he would have never gone to prison. They are playing our citizens as fools, even many of the ones that signed the petitions…no, especially those who signed the petitions.
Is Jack Banas going to prosecute the fraud…or sweep it under the rug? Let’s face it. It’s only a minor thing, right? It’s not like they are stealing your money or your car. They’re only attempting to defraud you of your city.
Of course, that’s just the view from the cheap seats.
Ward seven voters can support Dottie Greer, or they can support fraud. It will be their choice.
By Jerry Haferkamp
A friend called a few days ago and she was pretty fired up. She had an appointment to see our former City Administrator, but just prior to the meeting he called her to cancel. He claimed that he didn’t have time to meet with her. One of the reasons he gave for the cancellation was that he had been told that she wrote a column for the First Capitol News. The strange thing is that after she assured him that she didn’t write for the FCN, he suddenly found that he had the time to meet after all.
I do write a column for the FCN, but I don’t remember relinquishing my rights as a citizen. Of course, I feel no need to converse with someone who refuses to honor his contract. Kinda lets you know what this administration thinks about the residents here, doesn’t it?
One of the former mayors suggested that the whole Council should be replaced. I’ll go a step further. I think we can just do away with City Hall altogether. We can save thousands by just letting judges handle everything. One judge recently ruled that contracts aren’t contracts. Another ruled that our elected officials don’t get to decide what is in the best interest of the city. Let’s just replace Petty Patti, her gunslinger “Doc’ Williams and the Council with a couple of judges. If they can’t rule everything, we have a State Representative who will get special laws passed for his friends. Who needs a city government? Think of the savings. No elections…no recalls…just 2 “enlightened” judges.
The attempt by Judge Ted House to become the omnipotent King of St. Charles hit a snag at Tuesdays Council meeting. Several councilmen questioned whether a judge could force them to violate their sworn duties. King House issued a regal edict to the Council to disregard our Charter and direct the city staff to proceed with their ministerial duties with regard to the hooking up of utilities to a county development. Councilman Kneemiller, in an obvious move to win favor with the new King, made a motion not to order staff to comply with the order, but to actually give the developer permission to hook up. This put the individual councilman in the position of voting to violate our Charter or possibly violate King House’s edict. Weller, Kneemiller, Reese and Hoepfner did as expected, thumbing their noses at our Charter and their constituents, and bowed to the King. The councilmen who didn’t want to violate our Charter either abstained or left the meeting. This gave Larry, Curly, Moe and Shep the votes they needed. Riddler correctly abstained due to prior business activities with the developer on a different development that could be viewed as a conflict. Hoepfner should have abstained for the same reason. Earlier Larry, Curly, Moe and Shep voted against appealing the Kings edict to disregard the Charter.
Note to developers: If your development is outside our city, the King has given you superior powers. You no longer have to be approved by the elected representatives of St. Charles like developers inside the city do. Just ask for an audience with King House. Our ordinances and Charter apparently mean nothing to him.
Lets take a look at the Ward 7 scorecard:
Dottie Greer voted for a cell phone tower the residents needed. She voted to place constraints on use of fireworks that didn’t exist before. The past Fourth of July proved that they work. She also voted to take control of the Police Department from Mr. Linda and put it into the hands of a Chief of Police.
According to the investigations and depositions her opposition has falsified petitions, conspired to commit fraud by telling canvassers to falsify petitions, and apparently committed fraud by submitting petitions that they knew were fraudulent. They then used their speaking time at Council meetings to cry and moan about someone investigating their actions, all the while spouting that they did nothing wrong. They blame their employees. If Al Capone could have gotten away with that, he would have never gone to prison. They are playing our citizens as fools, even many of the ones that signed the petitions…no, especially those who signed the petitions.
Is Jack Banas going to prosecute the fraud…or sweep it under the rug? Let’s face it. It’s only a minor thing, right? It’s not like they are stealing your money or your car. They’re only attempting to defraud you of your city.
Of course, that’s just the view from the cheap seats.
Ward seven voters can support Dottie Greer, or they can support fraud. It will be their choice.
School Board Election Could Drastically Change The Course Of Education In Our City
School Board Election Could Drastically Change The Course Of Education In Our City
One of the most important elections in the history of St Charles will occur on April 4. Unfortunately, very few people are aware of this fact. The election in question is for two positions on the St Charles R6 School Board. The people who fill these positions will drastically change the course of education in our city.
There are also two tax measures on the ballot regarding our public school system. Proposition ‘A’ asks for a 28-cent tax levy transfer. This does not increase your taxes. It does, however, stop taxes from going down by $80 per year for a home with a value of $150,000. If passed, it would generate $2,300,000 per year for the school district.
There is also a tax increase proposal on the ballot (Proposition ‘B’), which asks for a 50-cent tax increase. If this proposal is passed, it would cost a homeowner $142 per year for a home valued at $150,000. It would generate $4,100,000 per year for the school district.
Our three main school administrators (Superintendent Dr. Jim Cale, Ass’t Superintendent Dr. Kim Harding and Ass’t Superintendent Cheryl Compton) have proposed sweeping changes in the organizational structure of our school system. The seven members of our school board have agreed to these changes if the 50-cent tax increase is not passed. Two of the seven seats are up for election on April 4.
The following is a brief description of the changes that have been proposed. There are seven elementary schools now, which contain kindergarten through 5th grades. One or two elementary schools would be closed. The most likely schools to be closed are Benton, Blackhurst, and/or Lincoln. The 5th grade at the remaining schools would be closed and moved to Jefferson Middle School.
Jefferson Middle School would be reconfigured from 6th, 7th, and 8th grades to contain only grades 5 and 6. Hardin Middle School would also be reconfigured to contain only grades 7 and 8.
Every elementary school boundary would be redrawn, causing hundreds of children to change schools. Every child in grades 5 through 8 would ride a bus to school, except the 5th and 6th graders in walking distance of Jefferson and the 7th and 8th graders in walking distance of Hardin.
Some money will be saved by physically closing the buildings. However, the cost of maintaining an empty building is not that much less than the cost of operating a building. The primary cost savings is through the reduction of teachers and staff. With fewer teachers, we will have more children in any given classroom. In short, the vast majority of the savings comes by increasing the ratio of students-to-teachers. The number of students per class in kindergarten through 8th grade will increase by 4 to 5 children per class.
The ‘seminar’ period at both high schools would be drastically changed. Presently seminar is held every other day for 85 minutes. Numerous activities occur during seminar. This includes: school assemblies; Student Council Meeting; Renaissance Club Meeting; various other club meetings; students meet with teachers for special help and assistance; computer lab is available for extra work; and general study hall. This will be changed to once per week for 45 minutes. This is almost an 80% reduction in seminar time. Students, parents, and teachers publicly opposed this change during the public comment portion of every school board meeting.
Two of the seven seats are up for election. The President of the School Board, Dr John Smith, is not running for re-election and one other seat is available. Each seat is for a three year term. Two or three seats are filled each year on a rotating basis.
There are five candidates running for election. To date, very little information is available about each candidate. Nonetheless, the information we do have is very significant. The following is the information that is publicly known about each candidate relative to their position regarding closing and reconfiguring our school system. This is based on the public comments and/or voting record of each candidate. They are listed in the order as they appear on the ballot.
Wayne Oetting: Mr. Oetting has served over twenty years on the school board. He lost his last bid for re-election. Before the election he had strongly suggested that Benton and/or Lincoln Elementary Schools be closed. Prior to that, he had supported a tax increase to make physical upgrades to all eleven public schools. The specific upgrades had been presented to the public and approved. He wished to close the schools prior to making the improvements, even though the public had specifically approved the work and passed the tax increase. Mr. Oetting has not made any public comments at the informational meetings held at the elementary schools last fall regarding the proposed school closing and reconfiguration or during the public comment portion of the school board meetings.
Mary Darting: Ms Darting is the incumbent school board member. She ran unopposed last April to complete the term vacated by Jerry Reese after he was elected to the city council. Ms. Darting has voted in favor of closing and reconfiguring the schools. She is one of three ex-teacher/principals on the school board. (School board members Linda Schulte and Donna Towers are former St Charles school principals.)
Mike Thorne: Mr. Thorne is also a former teacher in the school district. To the best of my knowledge, he has not made any public comments regarding closing or reconfiguring schools.
Gary Spearman: Mr. Spearman, a district parent, has spoken at numerous school board meetings. He has strongly opposed the decision to close and reconfigure the school system. He does not feel the financial position of the school district warrants the actions proposed by the district administrators and approved by the school board. He believes the 28-cent tax levy transfer (on the ballot as Proposition A) provides adequate funding to operate all eleven schools without the need to close or reconfigure our school system.
Gary Shelton: Mr. Shelton, a district parent, has spoken at numerous informational meetings and school board meetings. He has met with Mick Willis, who is the Business Manager for the district, and Dr. Harding regarding the financial position of the district. He also believes the 28-cent tax levy transfer provides adequate funding for the near future and is strongly opposed to closing or reconfiguring our school system.
There is a clear ideological difference between the candidates, based on the actions they have taken and the words they have spoken. Regardless of your position regarding Proposition A and B, your choice, as a voter, is to determine which candidate’s ideology is most closely aligned with yours.
One of the most important elections in the history of St Charles will occur on April 4. Unfortunately, very few people are aware of this fact. The election in question is for two positions on the St Charles R6 School Board. The people who fill these positions will drastically change the course of education in our city.
There are also two tax measures on the ballot regarding our public school system. Proposition ‘A’ asks for a 28-cent tax levy transfer. This does not increase your taxes. It does, however, stop taxes from going down by $80 per year for a home with a value of $150,000. If passed, it would generate $2,300,000 per year for the school district.
There is also a tax increase proposal on the ballot (Proposition ‘B’), which asks for a 50-cent tax increase. If this proposal is passed, it would cost a homeowner $142 per year for a home valued at $150,000. It would generate $4,100,000 per year for the school district.
Our three main school administrators (Superintendent Dr. Jim Cale, Ass’t Superintendent Dr. Kim Harding and Ass’t Superintendent Cheryl Compton) have proposed sweeping changes in the organizational structure of our school system. The seven members of our school board have agreed to these changes if the 50-cent tax increase is not passed. Two of the seven seats are up for election on April 4.
The following is a brief description of the changes that have been proposed. There are seven elementary schools now, which contain kindergarten through 5th grades. One or two elementary schools would be closed. The most likely schools to be closed are Benton, Blackhurst, and/or Lincoln. The 5th grade at the remaining schools would be closed and moved to Jefferson Middle School.
Jefferson Middle School would be reconfigured from 6th, 7th, and 8th grades to contain only grades 5 and 6. Hardin Middle School would also be reconfigured to contain only grades 7 and 8.
Every elementary school boundary would be redrawn, causing hundreds of children to change schools. Every child in grades 5 through 8 would ride a bus to school, except the 5th and 6th graders in walking distance of Jefferson and the 7th and 8th graders in walking distance of Hardin.
Some money will be saved by physically closing the buildings. However, the cost of maintaining an empty building is not that much less than the cost of operating a building. The primary cost savings is through the reduction of teachers and staff. With fewer teachers, we will have more children in any given classroom. In short, the vast majority of the savings comes by increasing the ratio of students-to-teachers. The number of students per class in kindergarten through 8th grade will increase by 4 to 5 children per class.
The ‘seminar’ period at both high schools would be drastically changed. Presently seminar is held every other day for 85 minutes. Numerous activities occur during seminar. This includes: school assemblies; Student Council Meeting; Renaissance Club Meeting; various other club meetings; students meet with teachers for special help and assistance; computer lab is available for extra work; and general study hall. This will be changed to once per week for 45 minutes. This is almost an 80% reduction in seminar time. Students, parents, and teachers publicly opposed this change during the public comment portion of every school board meeting.
Two of the seven seats are up for election. The President of the School Board, Dr John Smith, is not running for re-election and one other seat is available. Each seat is for a three year term. Two or three seats are filled each year on a rotating basis.
There are five candidates running for election. To date, very little information is available about each candidate. Nonetheless, the information we do have is very significant. The following is the information that is publicly known about each candidate relative to their position regarding closing and reconfiguring our school system. This is based on the public comments and/or voting record of each candidate. They are listed in the order as they appear on the ballot.
Wayne Oetting: Mr. Oetting has served over twenty years on the school board. He lost his last bid for re-election. Before the election he had strongly suggested that Benton and/or Lincoln Elementary Schools be closed. Prior to that, he had supported a tax increase to make physical upgrades to all eleven public schools. The specific upgrades had been presented to the public and approved. He wished to close the schools prior to making the improvements, even though the public had specifically approved the work and passed the tax increase. Mr. Oetting has not made any public comments at the informational meetings held at the elementary schools last fall regarding the proposed school closing and reconfiguration or during the public comment portion of the school board meetings.
Mary Darting: Ms Darting is the incumbent school board member. She ran unopposed last April to complete the term vacated by Jerry Reese after he was elected to the city council. Ms. Darting has voted in favor of closing and reconfiguring the schools. She is one of three ex-teacher/principals on the school board. (School board members Linda Schulte and Donna Towers are former St Charles school principals.)
Mike Thorne: Mr. Thorne is also a former teacher in the school district. To the best of my knowledge, he has not made any public comments regarding closing or reconfiguring schools.
Gary Spearman: Mr. Spearman, a district parent, has spoken at numerous school board meetings. He has strongly opposed the decision to close and reconfigure the school system. He does not feel the financial position of the school district warrants the actions proposed by the district administrators and approved by the school board. He believes the 28-cent tax levy transfer (on the ballot as Proposition A) provides adequate funding to operate all eleven schools without the need to close or reconfigure our school system.
Gary Shelton: Mr. Shelton, a district parent, has spoken at numerous informational meetings and school board meetings. He has met with Mick Willis, who is the Business Manager for the district, and Dr. Harding regarding the financial position of the district. He also believes the 28-cent tax levy transfer provides adequate funding for the near future and is strongly opposed to closing or reconfiguring our school system.
There is a clear ideological difference between the candidates, based on the actions they have taken and the words they have spoken. Regardless of your position regarding Proposition A and B, your choice, as a voter, is to determine which candidate’s ideology is most closely aligned with yours.
FRENCHTOWNE FLEUR DE LIS MARKET FESTIVAL JUNE 10TH
FRENCHTOWNE FLEUR DE LIS MARKET FESTIVAL JUNE 10TH
The Historic Frenchtowne Association of St. Charles is saying, “We are getting bigger and getter.”
Last year the organization rechristened and re-energized an event that has become known as the Fleur de Lis Market Festival. A new philosophy and activities resulted in an overwhelming successful outcome in 2005.
This years event is slated to set a new benchmark. It is scheduled for one day only, Saturday, June 10th from 10 am to 6 pm. It will take place along north Second Street in St.Charles.
The Fleur de Lis Market Festival is tailored to adults rather than children. The market emphasizes festivities that are French in flavor.
Slated offerings include wine tasting and cheese garden, various bands, art, herbs, flowers, a mime artisan, antique booths and more.
The committee is actively pursuing vendors who would offer those items and is open to other possibilities. The fee for a 10 X 10 booth is $65. If you are interested in being a vendor at the Fleur de Lis Market Festival contact Roxanne jacobs at 636-949-6525 for more details.
The Historic Frenchtowne Association of St. Charles is saying, “We are getting bigger and getter.”
Last year the organization rechristened and re-energized an event that has become known as the Fleur de Lis Market Festival. A new philosophy and activities resulted in an overwhelming successful outcome in 2005.
This years event is slated to set a new benchmark. It is scheduled for one day only, Saturday, June 10th from 10 am to 6 pm. It will take place along north Second Street in St.Charles.
The Fleur de Lis Market Festival is tailored to adults rather than children. The market emphasizes festivities that are French in flavor.
Slated offerings include wine tasting and cheese garden, various bands, art, herbs, flowers, a mime artisan, antique booths and more.
The committee is actively pursuing vendors who would offer those items and is open to other possibilities. The fee for a 10 X 10 booth is $65. If you are interested in being a vendor at the Fleur de Lis Market Festival contact Roxanne jacobs at 636-949-6525 for more details.
St. Charles Organizes First-ever Spring ArtWalk April 28-30, 2006
St. Charles Organizes First-ever Spring ArtWalk April 28-30, 2006
ArtWalk Will Kick-off St. Charles’ New Art District
Downtown St. Charles is the site for the first-ever ArtWalk in St. Charles, April 28-30, 2006. The juried ArtWalk, which is free and open to the public, will showcase 50 professional regional artists who will exhibit their work in a dozen sites on Main Street in downtown St. Charles and in the Foundry Art Centre, 520 North Main Center. Art work will be offered for sale and the artists will be on-site to interact with the public and discuss their work. Hours for the ArtWalk are:
Friday, April 28, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 29, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 30, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The ArtWalk, which is sponsored by Saint Charles Riverfront Arts, will feature a wide range of art mediums such as Raku pottery, sculpture, lifecasting, abstract paintings, jewelry, digital art, blown glass, photography, watercolor, and mixed media. Highlights include award-winning impressionistic landscape artist Billyo O’Donnell, named one of the top 50 plein air artists in the country by The Laguna Art Museum and selected to create the American Heart Association’s annual St. Louis Landmark Holiday Card for four consecutive years; metal sculptor Larry Pogue whose pieces are in collections all over the world and have been seen in sculpture parks nationally, including Laumeier Park, and in St. Louis Muny Opera productions; Marilynne Bradley, an award-winning watercolor painter who is listed in Who’s Who in American Women Artists; Serena Boschert who specializes in hand-painted ceramic vases, decorative pieces, and ornaments. In addition, internationally-renowned visual artist Philip Hitchcock will present a live-model lifecasting demonstration on Sunday afternoon in the Foundry Art Centre.
According to Nadine Boon, Director of Economic Development for the City of St. Charles and chair of the ArtWalk, the St. Charles Spring ArtWalk is the kick-off to a new direction for downtown St. Charles. “We are building an art district on Main Street. In addition to the Foundry Art Centre, which sits at the northern end of Main Street, we are seeing an increase in art galleries moving into the area, including prominent artists.” One such notable person is award-winning digital artist George Denninger. Denninger has moved his studio from his long-standing site in St. Louis County to a permanent gallery on Main Street. “I see tremendous potential in what St. Charles is doing and want to be a part of it. Main Street is the perfect place for an art district since it already offers boutiques, fine dining, bed and breakfasts, wineries, and a strong pedestrian clientele.”
The commitment of the community to this new art district is evidenced by the support of the area businesses. The artists’ will be exhibiting their work in a dozen buildings, from restaurants to office buildings, on Main Street. Many of the local restaurants will be providing hors d’oeuvres at the venues so visitors can sample some of the fine dining opportunities available in the area while enjoying the various displays of art work. This arrangement will provide visitors with a relaxed and enjoyable way to walk up and down the quaint street, taking in all the variety that exists on Main Street. Tony’s On Main Street will be hosting a Martini & Wine Bar.
In addition to the artists’ work, the ArtWalk will feature entertainment throughout the weekend including a free concert by the St. Charles Symphony on Friday evening at the Foundry Art Centre. Various musical groups will be strolling along Main Street during the three-day event. On Sunday afternoon, the ArtWalk will hold a reception in the Foundry Art Centre, 520 North Main Center, featuring food and entertainment. The reception is free to the public.
The ArtWalk is supported by sponsors and Saint Charles Riverfront Arts, under the auspices of the St. Charles Historic Downtown Association. The vision of Saint Charles Riverfront Arts is to create an art and entertainment district that enriches the spirit through music, dance, art galleries, fine dining and unique shops. The ArtWalk will be the kick-off event to further this vision.
ArtWalk Will Kick-off St. Charles’ New Art District
Downtown St. Charles is the site for the first-ever ArtWalk in St. Charles, April 28-30, 2006. The juried ArtWalk, which is free and open to the public, will showcase 50 professional regional artists who will exhibit their work in a dozen sites on Main Street in downtown St. Charles and in the Foundry Art Centre, 520 North Main Center. Art work will be offered for sale and the artists will be on-site to interact with the public and discuss their work. Hours for the ArtWalk are:
Friday, April 28, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 29, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 30, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The ArtWalk, which is sponsored by Saint Charles Riverfront Arts, will feature a wide range of art mediums such as Raku pottery, sculpture, lifecasting, abstract paintings, jewelry, digital art, blown glass, photography, watercolor, and mixed media. Highlights include award-winning impressionistic landscape artist Billyo O’Donnell, named one of the top 50 plein air artists in the country by The Laguna Art Museum and selected to create the American Heart Association’s annual St. Louis Landmark Holiday Card for four consecutive years; metal sculptor Larry Pogue whose pieces are in collections all over the world and have been seen in sculpture parks nationally, including Laumeier Park, and in St. Louis Muny Opera productions; Marilynne Bradley, an award-winning watercolor painter who is listed in Who’s Who in American Women Artists; Serena Boschert who specializes in hand-painted ceramic vases, decorative pieces, and ornaments. In addition, internationally-renowned visual artist Philip Hitchcock will present a live-model lifecasting demonstration on Sunday afternoon in the Foundry Art Centre.
According to Nadine Boon, Director of Economic Development for the City of St. Charles and chair of the ArtWalk, the St. Charles Spring ArtWalk is the kick-off to a new direction for downtown St. Charles. “We are building an art district on Main Street. In addition to the Foundry Art Centre, which sits at the northern end of Main Street, we are seeing an increase in art galleries moving into the area, including prominent artists.” One such notable person is award-winning digital artist George Denninger. Denninger has moved his studio from his long-standing site in St. Louis County to a permanent gallery on Main Street. “I see tremendous potential in what St. Charles is doing and want to be a part of it. Main Street is the perfect place for an art district since it already offers boutiques, fine dining, bed and breakfasts, wineries, and a strong pedestrian clientele.”
The commitment of the community to this new art district is evidenced by the support of the area businesses. The artists’ will be exhibiting their work in a dozen buildings, from restaurants to office buildings, on Main Street. Many of the local restaurants will be providing hors d’oeuvres at the venues so visitors can sample some of the fine dining opportunities available in the area while enjoying the various displays of art work. This arrangement will provide visitors with a relaxed and enjoyable way to walk up and down the quaint street, taking in all the variety that exists on Main Street. Tony’s On Main Street will be hosting a Martini & Wine Bar.
In addition to the artists’ work, the ArtWalk will feature entertainment throughout the weekend including a free concert by the St. Charles Symphony on Friday evening at the Foundry Art Centre. Various musical groups will be strolling along Main Street during the three-day event. On Sunday afternoon, the ArtWalk will hold a reception in the Foundry Art Centre, 520 North Main Center, featuring food and entertainment. The reception is free to the public.
The ArtWalk is supported by sponsors and Saint Charles Riverfront Arts, under the auspices of the St. Charles Historic Downtown Association. The vision of Saint Charles Riverfront Arts is to create an art and entertainment district that enriches the spirit through music, dance, art galleries, fine dining and unique shops. The ArtWalk will be the kick-off event to further this vision.
FIRST CAPITOL NEWS SPORTS - MIKE MCMURRAN SPORTS EDITOR
MY COLUMN - MIKE MCMURRAN
The things we do for our kids! Regular readers of this column know that I am a football guy – hard-core, through and through. So why then, this past Saturday morning, was I watching non-stop soccer from 8 a.m. until 2:20 p.m.? ‘Cause of my kids, thank you. It started out with Joe having an 8 a.m. contest at Tony Glavin’s indoor complex. As luck would have it, Dee (Joe’s younger brother, thank you) was dressed out and ready to play, because he was scheduled to play at 9 a.m. (Not a mandatory game) When the opposing team failed to show, Dee’s squad, at least those present, were invited to play. Let me say this: It is a big deal when a kindergartener is invited to play against his second grade brother. I only wish I would have had a camera on the play where Dee took Joe’s legs out from beneath him. I’m not sure who was the most surprised, Joe, Dee or me.
At 9 Dee’s team was scheduled to play, so Joe and I stuck around until 9:30 or so, when Joe had another game scheduled with his outdoor team, the Falcons of the Academy of the Sacred Heart. Luckily Joe’s 9:45 game was at Woodand Park, less than 400 yards from the Glavin complex. I left Dee behind under the watchful eyes of Sue Solomon, who was supervising her youngest son Adam Solomon, who was training in the Glavin Dr. Pepper League. Of course her oldest son, Alex Solomon plays on Joe’s Falcon team, so I knew sooner or later we would all meet up. Joe’s team, the Falcons, won rather handily; in the mean time, Dee was invited to stick around for his third game in three hours at Glavin. And why not, in addition to Adam, two of Dee’s classmates, Parker Green and Evan Lemke train in the league. The good news is that all four of the lads play fall soccer for yours’ truly – which will be exciting next August.
Now, where was I? Ah, yes – Joe’s outdoor game was over at 10:45 and Dee was finished, almost, at Glavin’s. Time to go home? No way. Maggie, remember Maggie, my favorite daughter, she had an 11:45 game at Woodland. If me and the boys would have gone home, we would have literally had to turn around and gone right back to Woodland. So, being the good baseball coach I am, me, Joe and Dee took out our baseball gloves and played catch right there at beautiful Mueller Park. Finally, a break from soccer. Short lived though, as Maggie and Lynn arrived for Maggie’s game, I was told to put the gloves away and watch the game.
For some reason Maggie’s game started late, and by 12:45 I had to leave – Dee had his only regularly scheduled game of the day, a 1 p.m. contest at Glavin. I apologized to Tammy Francis, Maggie’s coach’s wife, for leaving early; she understood fully. Dee’s 1 p.m. game started on time, but for some reason Dee wasn’t playing up to his normal self. Hell, I was tired and all I had done was watch soccer all morning. Dee was playing in his fourth game since 8 a.m. At 2 p.m. we were all soccered out – no more games.
There is an up side to this whole story. Because of all the soccer on Saturday, there were no games scheduled on Sunday – so I was allowed to dedicate most of the afternoon to smoking some chickens. I’ve not yet looked at the calendar, but I am confident that next weekend will be just as hectic. The things we do for our kids.
United Hockey League
River Otters Try to Look Ahead
Injuries and Trades Make No Difference
By Louis J. Launer
A team in last place in the overall United Hockey League standings can have lots of frustrations. Not having the home team wear their St. Patrick’s Day jerseys can add insult to injury. That’s what happened last Friday night when the River Otters hosted the Fort Wayne Komets on a night where everyone is supposedly Irish.
It is usually a custom in the UHL for the visiting team to bring along their home white jerseys, so the actual home team can wear special jerseys. It’s a minor league tradition. Somehow, the Fort Wayne Komets were not notified and the team brought only their away black jerseys, which would have clashed with the Otters’ Kelly green jerseys. At the last minute, the Otters switched back to their regular home white jerseys, disappointing many fans that were there to bid on St. Patrick’s Day jerseys, benefiting Dollar Help.
To add to problems, within the first minute of that game, Fort Wayne’s Matt Hunter scored two quick goals within the first minute of the game to give the Komets a 2-0 lead. But the River Otters did come back. Scott Dobben, who was acquired at last Tuesday’s trade deadline from the Motor City Mechanics, scored two goals also in the first period to tie the game at 2. Mike Richards, acquired in February scored late in the first period to give the River Otters a 3-2 lead. The lead continued into the second period, where the River Otters depended on their goaltender Brendan “Stick” Cuthbert, who stopped 40 shots in the entire game. Cuthbert has been filling in for the injured Kevin Reiter, who could be out for the rest of the season.
Hunter of Fort Wayne completed his hat trick by scoring in the third period, tying the game at 3-3. The River Otters just couldn’t put any defense together at the beginning of the third. Komets’ all-star representative Guy Dupuis scored the game winner for the Komets, a slap shot from the top of the right face-off circle, to give the Komets a 4-3 victory.
The River Otters try to play the role of spoiler, since they have no chance to make this year’s Colonial Cup Playoffs. They didn’t even try on last Saturday’s game against the Kalamazoo Wings, played in Michigan. The Wings who could be a high seed in the playoffs had 63 shots on goal against the River Otters and naturally beat Missouri, 7-2.
Lately, the only way the River Otters can get two points and a win has been from a shootout. The team returned Sunday to Family Arena and hosted Rockford, a team most likely to be the top team in the Western Division when the playoffs begin after Easter. Steve Makway scored the tying goal and the shootout game winner as the River Otters defeated Rockford, 3-2. Although the loss for Rockford really didn’t make any difference on their position, it was finally the first time that the River Otters defeated Rockford this season.
Most fans who saw both the Fort Wayne and Rockford games this past weekend still are loyal fans of the team. But most of the fans are rather frustrated at the poor performance and the lack of effort by the organization to really get good talent to compete against UHL teams who years ago were doormats of the league, much like the River Otters are today.
“I’m ready for baseball,” said one fan who refused to be identified. “This hockey team has become a total joke. It’s disappointing for all of those players who really wanted to play to be on a team that has a difficult time getting a win.”
Two weeks ago, the Quad City Mallards, Motor City Mechanics and the River Otters made a trade right at the trade deadline that sent a fan favorite of Missouri’s to the Mallards. Frank Littlejohn, one of the team’s top scorers and a favorite of many fans, was sent to the Quad City Mallards in exchange for Mike Olynyk and Scott Dobben. Dobben had just been dealt to the Mallards from Motor City and was immediately sent to Missouri to complete the trade.
It was rumored that just after the all-star break and the release of River Otters’ head coach Kevin Kaminski that Littlejohn and a number of other players wanted to leave Missouri for other clubs, simply because they wanted to be on a winning club and have a better chance at playing in the Colonial Cup playoffs. Littlejohn is now on a team who does have a very good chance of making the playoffs. But the Mallards could face a tough Rockford, Fort Wayne, Kalamazoo or Muskegon—four teams who have a chance to go the distance in this year’s Colonial Cup tournament.
RiverCity Rage open season with win
Spank Katy Copperheads 69-33 on road
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
The RiverCity Rage of the National Indoor Football League turned a first half Texas waltz into a football version of the Cotton-Eyed Joe in the final two periods, stepping up to outscore the Katy Copperheads 42-14 in the second half and get out of town with a 69-33 opening game victory in suburban Houston on Saturday night. The Rage is 1-0 on the new NIFL season and will host the Cincinnati Marshals on Sunday in the 2006 home opener at Savvis Center. The Copperheads fell to 1-1.
With Rage quarterback Clay Groefsema on target with his receivers most of the game, and operating behind a solid offensive line, the second half explosion left Copperhead’s coach Bryan Blake shaking his head. “I told my defense before the game that they were facing the most prolific offense in the NIFL. I just didn’t think they would roll over us the way they did in the second half. I guess you just can’t stop a fast moving train. They were on their game tonight, but you only improve in this game from facing the best, and we’ll learn from this one.”
For Rage Head Football Coach Mike Wyatt, the pre- game plan was fairly simple. Get to the quarterback, avoid turnovers on offense, and don’t let the big guy (ex-NFL running back Bam Morris) beat you. It worked to near perfection. “We kept pressure on their quarterback all night long and the four sacks we registered don’t even tell the full story. A lot of those hurried throws aren’t reflected in the stats. He had two scores, but we basically shut down Bam Morris (13 carries, 64 yards) and held on to the ball and didn’t hurt ourselves with penalties (one). I’d have to say it was impressive on both sides of the line, although I was a bit disappointed with our play on special teams. Our timing needs to improve, but that’s for practice on Tuesday.”
A 41-yard touchdown pass from Copperhead’s quarterback Mark Saldana to Jason Deml gave Katy it’s final lead of the game at 9-7 early in the second quarter. A Joe Bevis 18-yard touchdown interception and a 1-yard Groefsema to Hurtis Chinn TD pass put the Rage in front 27-19 at halftime. The lead would roll back and forth between 8 and 15 points before the Rage put the game out of reach in the forth quarter. Two touchdown runs of 1 yard each by Groefsema and a 34 yard TD rainbow aired out to a streaking Hurtis Chinn set the stage for the Rage- Marshal’s rematch at 3pm this Sunday. Reserve quarterback Anthony Fisher put the finishing touch to a nearly perfect Rage debut with a 2-yard touchdown run in the final two minutes.
Groefsema was 20 of 27 on the night, accounting for 7 Rage touchdowns (3 rushing, 4 passing) and 218 yards through the air. Rage receiver Hurtis Chinn caught 8 passes good for 140 yards and scored 4 TD’s. Moses Regular and Corey Bethany each had 5 catches on the night. The Rage were led in rushing by Sha-ron Edwards, who carried 19 times for 79 yards.
The Rage defense sacked Saldana four times, and coupled with an interception, the Rage defense kept the Copperhead’s starter on the run most of the evening, and he finally gave way to reserve Ryan Breedlove early in the fourth quarter who was also intercepted twice. “They pressured us from a lot of different angles and their defensive backs were right with our receivers most of the game. It was tough.” stated Saldana.
The Rage is 1-0 on the new NIFL season and will host the Cincinnati Marshals on Sunday in the 2006 home opener at Savvis Center with a 3 p.m. kick-off.
The things we do for our kids! Regular readers of this column know that I am a football guy – hard-core, through and through. So why then, this past Saturday morning, was I watching non-stop soccer from 8 a.m. until 2:20 p.m.? ‘Cause of my kids, thank you. It started out with Joe having an 8 a.m. contest at Tony Glavin’s indoor complex. As luck would have it, Dee (Joe’s younger brother, thank you) was dressed out and ready to play, because he was scheduled to play at 9 a.m. (Not a mandatory game) When the opposing team failed to show, Dee’s squad, at least those present, were invited to play. Let me say this: It is a big deal when a kindergartener is invited to play against his second grade brother. I only wish I would have had a camera on the play where Dee took Joe’s legs out from beneath him. I’m not sure who was the most surprised, Joe, Dee or me.
At 9 Dee’s team was scheduled to play, so Joe and I stuck around until 9:30 or so, when Joe had another game scheduled with his outdoor team, the Falcons of the Academy of the Sacred Heart. Luckily Joe’s 9:45 game was at Woodand Park, less than 400 yards from the Glavin complex. I left Dee behind under the watchful eyes of Sue Solomon, who was supervising her youngest son Adam Solomon, who was training in the Glavin Dr. Pepper League. Of course her oldest son, Alex Solomon plays on Joe’s Falcon team, so I knew sooner or later we would all meet up. Joe’s team, the Falcons, won rather handily; in the mean time, Dee was invited to stick around for his third game in three hours at Glavin. And why not, in addition to Adam, two of Dee’s classmates, Parker Green and Evan Lemke train in the league. The good news is that all four of the lads play fall soccer for yours’ truly – which will be exciting next August.
Now, where was I? Ah, yes – Joe’s outdoor game was over at 10:45 and Dee was finished, almost, at Glavin’s. Time to go home? No way. Maggie, remember Maggie, my favorite daughter, she had an 11:45 game at Woodland. If me and the boys would have gone home, we would have literally had to turn around and gone right back to Woodland. So, being the good baseball coach I am, me, Joe and Dee took out our baseball gloves and played catch right there at beautiful Mueller Park. Finally, a break from soccer. Short lived though, as Maggie and Lynn arrived for Maggie’s game, I was told to put the gloves away and watch the game.
For some reason Maggie’s game started late, and by 12:45 I had to leave – Dee had his only regularly scheduled game of the day, a 1 p.m. contest at Glavin. I apologized to Tammy Francis, Maggie’s coach’s wife, for leaving early; she understood fully. Dee’s 1 p.m. game started on time, but for some reason Dee wasn’t playing up to his normal self. Hell, I was tired and all I had done was watch soccer all morning. Dee was playing in his fourth game since 8 a.m. At 2 p.m. we were all soccered out – no more games.
There is an up side to this whole story. Because of all the soccer on Saturday, there were no games scheduled on Sunday – so I was allowed to dedicate most of the afternoon to smoking some chickens. I’ve not yet looked at the calendar, but I am confident that next weekend will be just as hectic. The things we do for our kids.
United Hockey League
River Otters Try to Look Ahead
Injuries and Trades Make No Difference
By Louis J. Launer
A team in last place in the overall United Hockey League standings can have lots of frustrations. Not having the home team wear their St. Patrick’s Day jerseys can add insult to injury. That’s what happened last Friday night when the River Otters hosted the Fort Wayne Komets on a night where everyone is supposedly Irish.
It is usually a custom in the UHL for the visiting team to bring along their home white jerseys, so the actual home team can wear special jerseys. It’s a minor league tradition. Somehow, the Fort Wayne Komets were not notified and the team brought only their away black jerseys, which would have clashed with the Otters’ Kelly green jerseys. At the last minute, the Otters switched back to their regular home white jerseys, disappointing many fans that were there to bid on St. Patrick’s Day jerseys, benefiting Dollar Help.
To add to problems, within the first minute of that game, Fort Wayne’s Matt Hunter scored two quick goals within the first minute of the game to give the Komets a 2-0 lead. But the River Otters did come back. Scott Dobben, who was acquired at last Tuesday’s trade deadline from the Motor City Mechanics, scored two goals also in the first period to tie the game at 2. Mike Richards, acquired in February scored late in the first period to give the River Otters a 3-2 lead. The lead continued into the second period, where the River Otters depended on their goaltender Brendan “Stick” Cuthbert, who stopped 40 shots in the entire game. Cuthbert has been filling in for the injured Kevin Reiter, who could be out for the rest of the season.
Hunter of Fort Wayne completed his hat trick by scoring in the third period, tying the game at 3-3. The River Otters just couldn’t put any defense together at the beginning of the third. Komets’ all-star representative Guy Dupuis scored the game winner for the Komets, a slap shot from the top of the right face-off circle, to give the Komets a 4-3 victory.
The River Otters try to play the role of spoiler, since they have no chance to make this year’s Colonial Cup Playoffs. They didn’t even try on last Saturday’s game against the Kalamazoo Wings, played in Michigan. The Wings who could be a high seed in the playoffs had 63 shots on goal against the River Otters and naturally beat Missouri, 7-2.
Lately, the only way the River Otters can get two points and a win has been from a shootout. The team returned Sunday to Family Arena and hosted Rockford, a team most likely to be the top team in the Western Division when the playoffs begin after Easter. Steve Makway scored the tying goal and the shootout game winner as the River Otters defeated Rockford, 3-2. Although the loss for Rockford really didn’t make any difference on their position, it was finally the first time that the River Otters defeated Rockford this season.
Most fans who saw both the Fort Wayne and Rockford games this past weekend still are loyal fans of the team. But most of the fans are rather frustrated at the poor performance and the lack of effort by the organization to really get good talent to compete against UHL teams who years ago were doormats of the league, much like the River Otters are today.
“I’m ready for baseball,” said one fan who refused to be identified. “This hockey team has become a total joke. It’s disappointing for all of those players who really wanted to play to be on a team that has a difficult time getting a win.”
Two weeks ago, the Quad City Mallards, Motor City Mechanics and the River Otters made a trade right at the trade deadline that sent a fan favorite of Missouri’s to the Mallards. Frank Littlejohn, one of the team’s top scorers and a favorite of many fans, was sent to the Quad City Mallards in exchange for Mike Olynyk and Scott Dobben. Dobben had just been dealt to the Mallards from Motor City and was immediately sent to Missouri to complete the trade.
It was rumored that just after the all-star break and the release of River Otters’ head coach Kevin Kaminski that Littlejohn and a number of other players wanted to leave Missouri for other clubs, simply because they wanted to be on a winning club and have a better chance at playing in the Colonial Cup playoffs. Littlejohn is now on a team who does have a very good chance of making the playoffs. But the Mallards could face a tough Rockford, Fort Wayne, Kalamazoo or Muskegon—four teams who have a chance to go the distance in this year’s Colonial Cup tournament.
RiverCity Rage open season with win
Spank Katy Copperheads 69-33 on road
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
The RiverCity Rage of the National Indoor Football League turned a first half Texas waltz into a football version of the Cotton-Eyed Joe in the final two periods, stepping up to outscore the Katy Copperheads 42-14 in the second half and get out of town with a 69-33 opening game victory in suburban Houston on Saturday night. The Rage is 1-0 on the new NIFL season and will host the Cincinnati Marshals on Sunday in the 2006 home opener at Savvis Center. The Copperheads fell to 1-1.
With Rage quarterback Clay Groefsema on target with his receivers most of the game, and operating behind a solid offensive line, the second half explosion left Copperhead’s coach Bryan Blake shaking his head. “I told my defense before the game that they were facing the most prolific offense in the NIFL. I just didn’t think they would roll over us the way they did in the second half. I guess you just can’t stop a fast moving train. They were on their game tonight, but you only improve in this game from facing the best, and we’ll learn from this one.”
For Rage Head Football Coach Mike Wyatt, the pre- game plan was fairly simple. Get to the quarterback, avoid turnovers on offense, and don’t let the big guy (ex-NFL running back Bam Morris) beat you. It worked to near perfection. “We kept pressure on their quarterback all night long and the four sacks we registered don’t even tell the full story. A lot of those hurried throws aren’t reflected in the stats. He had two scores, but we basically shut down Bam Morris (13 carries, 64 yards) and held on to the ball and didn’t hurt ourselves with penalties (one). I’d have to say it was impressive on both sides of the line, although I was a bit disappointed with our play on special teams. Our timing needs to improve, but that’s for practice on Tuesday.”
A 41-yard touchdown pass from Copperhead’s quarterback Mark Saldana to Jason Deml gave Katy it’s final lead of the game at 9-7 early in the second quarter. A Joe Bevis 18-yard touchdown interception and a 1-yard Groefsema to Hurtis Chinn TD pass put the Rage in front 27-19 at halftime. The lead would roll back and forth between 8 and 15 points before the Rage put the game out of reach in the forth quarter. Two touchdown runs of 1 yard each by Groefsema and a 34 yard TD rainbow aired out to a streaking Hurtis Chinn set the stage for the Rage- Marshal’s rematch at 3pm this Sunday. Reserve quarterback Anthony Fisher put the finishing touch to a nearly perfect Rage debut with a 2-yard touchdown run in the final two minutes.
Groefsema was 20 of 27 on the night, accounting for 7 Rage touchdowns (3 rushing, 4 passing) and 218 yards through the air. Rage receiver Hurtis Chinn caught 8 passes good for 140 yards and scored 4 TD’s. Moses Regular and Corey Bethany each had 5 catches on the night. The Rage were led in rushing by Sha-ron Edwards, who carried 19 times for 79 yards.
The Rage defense sacked Saldana four times, and coupled with an interception, the Rage defense kept the Copperhead’s starter on the run most of the evening, and he finally gave way to reserve Ryan Breedlove early in the fourth quarter who was also intercepted twice. “They pressured us from a lot of different angles and their defensive backs were right with our receivers most of the game. It was tough.” stated Saldana.
The Rage is 1-0 on the new NIFL season and will host the Cincinnati Marshals on Sunday in the 2006 home opener at Savvis Center with a 3 p.m. kick-off.
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